General Dentistry in McLean

What Are General Dentists?

A general dentist is the most common type of dentist; the one you would see for exams and basic tooth repair and replacement services. You may hear people refer to general dentists as family dentists as they treat people of all ages. Just like you have a primary care medical doctor, you have a primary care dentist. If you're looking for a general dentist near me, please call us and request an appointment. We have a welcoming general dental office with friendly staff members.

What Are Common General Dentistry Services?

General family dentistry services include all the treatments and procedures you need to maintain your smile. Besides routine exams and professional teeth cleanings, our dentists offer:

Tooth Repair & Replacement - Our general dentist can fix broken, cracked or chipped teeth. He or she can replace missing teeth so you can smile with confidence again.

Crowns - Crowns, also called tooth caps, permanently cover a weak, discolored or damaged tooth that is too far gone for a filling or bonding. They resemble a natural tooth and come in different materials.

Porcelain Crowns - Porcelain crowns are ideal to restore front teeth as they look and feel just like a natural tooth. They are usually not suitable for back teeth.

Dental Bonding - Our general dentist can apply a tooth-colored resin to your teeth to fix cracks or chips or to close gaps between teeth.

Dental Bridges - Dental bridges fix a gap in your smile by attaching an artificial tooth to existing teeth on either side of the gap. Bridges are fixed; only a dentist can remove one.

Fillings - Dentists use fillings to repair damage to teeth caused by decay.

Composite Fillings - Composite resin fillings are known as white fillings. They are a less obvious option than metal fillings.

Porcelain Fillings - Porcelain fillings are the gold standard for fillings. They are virtually invisible and very strong.

Laser Dentistry - Laser dentistry is an innovative way to treat most cavities as your dentist has to remove less healthy tooth structure. A laser is also quieter and less painful than a drill. It has other uses too.

Nitrous Oxide - Nitrous oxide, aka laughing gas, is an odorless gas dentists use to calm anxious patients. It's effects wear off right after your procedure so you can drive home afterward.

Sealants - Teeth sealants protect against cavities by sealing the chewing surface of molars, which are notoriously hard to clean as they have pits that trap plaque.

How Often Do I Need to Visit a Dentist?

You should have a routine examination and dental teeth cleaning every six months. If your dental health is poor, your dentist may suggest a more frequent schedule. If it's been more than six months since you've seen a dentist, please call today to schedule an exam. We won't lecture you if its been a long time since you've visited a dentist.

How Much Do General Dentists Charge for a Visit?

Your total cost will depend on the general dentistry services you receive and whether you have dental insurance. When scheduling an appointment, you can ask about the potential costs and your payment options.

How Do Dentists Clean Teeth?

Dentists and dental hygienists clean teeth by removing plaque and tartar using special instruments. Once done, he or she will clean, polish and floss your teeth. Your teeth will be cleaner than you could ever get them at home, even with diligent brushing and flossing. If you have a teeth cleaning at the dentist's office each time you have an exam, you'll reduce your risk of developing cavities, gingivitis or a more advanced form of gum disease. Your dentist will also point out any areas that you may miss at home, if any, and make suggestions to make your oral care routine more effective.

How Long Do Dental Appointments Last?

Routine exams last about an hour. Extensive dental work takes longer. We don't make our patients feel rushed. If you're concerned about the length of your appointment, please ask when you make your appointment. We don't want you to stress about getting out of the chair by a certain time.

How Can I Prepare for My Dental Appointment?

Please come on time. We also ask you to bring your dental insurance card and a list of your current medications. We're going to ask you about your medical history as well. If you're anxious about the visit, please let us know. It's very common and we can put you at ease.

If you need an appointment with a dentist general practice, call our office today. We enjoy meeting new patients and their families. If you need appointments for other family members, we can schedule them so you only have to make one trip.