It is very important to find a dentist with whom you are comfortable. The relationship you have with them affects the long-term health of your teeth and mouth. At our Buford, GA, dentist office, we believe in forming strong bonds with our patients. We treat them like members of our own family. Our goal is to establish long-term relationships that are built on trust and understanding.
General Dental Services in Buford, GA
General dentistry is the foundation of Lanier Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Buford, Georgia. We provide many dental services that provide you with long-term oral health. We are a family dental practice that treats patients who are young and those who are young at heart. Our list of general dentistry services and treatments includes:
Dental Cleanings
A dental cleaning, also known as a dental prophylaxis, is a common preventive dental treatment. It involves professionally cleaning your teeth and is typically performed by one of our dental hygienists. It involves removing plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth. It is then followed by polishing to create a smooth surface.
Regular teeth cleanings help prevent gum disease and cavities and maintain overall oral health. We provide teeth cleanings for all ages. To learn more about what happens during a dental cleaning, see Dental Cleanings.
Dental Fillings
A dental filling is a treatment we use to repair teeth that are damaged by cavities or minor fractures. Your Buford dentist will remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth, clean the area, and fill in the cavity with a biocompatible composite resin. This filling will restore the tooth’s structure and function and prevent further decay. This is an important general dentistry treatment to preserve our patient’s oral health. To learn more about the dental filling procedure, see Dental Fillings.
Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentistry is the specialization of children’s oral health from infancy through adolescence. We provide pediatric dental services for children in our Buford dentist office. We will monitor your child’s dental development and treat issues like cavities or misaligned teeth in a child-friendly environment. They also educate parents and children on proper oral hygiene, nutrition, and habits to ensure lifelong dental health. To learn more about the benefits of pediatric dentistry, see Pediatric Dentistry.
Tooth Extractions
Although we do our best to save your natural teeth, sometimes a tooth extraction is best for your oral health. We may perform an extraction for severe tooth decay, infection, or damage to a tooth. During a tooth extraction, we will remove the problematic tooth from its socket in the jawbone. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and experience minimal pain during the extraction. To learn more about the tooth extraction procedure, see Tooth Extractions.
Root Canals
A root canal is a dental procedure performed to treat infected or damaged tooth pulp caused by untreated tooth cavities or damage to the tooth. During the procedure, the dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans the tooth’s interior, and seals it. This process saves the tooth, relieves pain, and restores its function. A crown is often placed afterward for added strength and protection. To learn more about the root canal procedure, see Root Canals.
Gum Disease Treatment
Periodontal disease is a condition that affects the tissues that support the teeth. It begins as gingivitis, which is characterized by swollen and bleeding gums. If left untreated, gingivitis will progress into periodontitis, causing irreversible damage and potential tooth loss.
The most common cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene habits. We offer several treatments, including professional dental cleanings, scaling, and root planing. Advanced cases of gum disease may require surgery or tooth extractions. To learn more about the symptoms of gum disease and the treatments we offer, see Gum Disease Treatment.
Mouthguards
A custom sports mouthguard offers superior protection for your teeth. If you participate in contact sports, we can create a mouthguard that is tailored to your unique oral anatomy. Your dentist will take precise impressions of your mouth that will be used to fabricate the mouthpiece.
Compared to the store-bought kind, custom mouthguards provide better shock absorption, stability, breathing ability, and comfortability. This will reduce your risk of dental injuries. We also provide custom night guards to wear while you sleep to protect your teeth from grinding. To learn more about why you should choose a custom mouthguard over the store-bought kind, see Nightguards and Mouthguards.
Emergency Dental Care
Dental emergencies can happen at any moment. Sometimes, it is necessary to see emergency dental care if you lose a tooth, break a tooth, or your dental crown falls out. In such instances, Lanier Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can provide you with emergency dental care. In some cases, immediate and specialized care is crucial to saving a tooth. To learn more about what to do in a dental emergency, see Emergency Dentistry.
Patient Education
One of the most important things a family dentist can do is to educate his or her patients on the basics of dental health. Our dentists Dr. Alla Brown and Dr. Amanda Newberry have post graduate training to provide the latest advancements and techniques in modern dentistry. They pass this knowledge on to the patients so that they can understand the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
For parents, maintaining their children’s oral health can be a challenge. We provide the experience of a pediatric dentist with the convenience of a family dentist. Our staff can answer your questions and provide advice on caring for your children’s teeth and mouth.
General Dentistry FAQs
General dentistry builds the foundation of our practice and your oral health. Read the answers to these frequently asked patient questions to learn more.
How often should I visit a general dentist?
Most people should visit a general dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This helps to detect dental problems early and maintain optimal oral health. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you have specific dental concerns, like gum disease or a history of cavities. Following the recommended schedule ensures that your teeth and gums stay healthy and that issues are caught early.
Why are routine dental cleanings so important?
Routine dental cleanings are important because they remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Even with regular brushing and flossing, it can be difficult to remove all the plaque from your teeth, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Regular cleanings help prevent dental issues and maintain a healthy smile. Your dentist can also identify early signs of oral health problems during cleanings.
Are dental X-rays necessary for general dental visits?
Dental X-rays are often a routine part of general dental visits. They help your dentist detect issues that aren’t visible during a regular examination, such as cavities between teeth, bone loss, or signs of gum disease. While X-rays are important for catching problems early, your dentist will only recommend them when necessary, and modern X-ray technology uses minimal radiation to ensure patient safety.
Can a general dentist treat cavities?
Yes, general dentists are equipped to treat cavities by removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling it with a dental material like amalgam or composite resin. Fillings restore the tooth’s function and prevent further damage. If a cavity is detected early, it can be treated easily with a filling. Untreated cavities can lead to more serious problems like infection or tooth loss.
What is the role of fluoride in dental care?
Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more decay-resistant. It is commonly found in toothpaste and mouth rinses, and your dentist may apply fluoride treatments during checkups for added protection. Fluoride can help prevent cavities by remineralizing weak spots on your teeth and is especially beneficial for children and people at higher risk of cavities.
What can I do to maintain good oral health between visits?
To maintain good oral health between dental visits, brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles. Eating a balanced diet and limiting sugary snacks can help prevent cavities and gum disease. Additionally, avoid smoking and visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Maintaining good habits at home complements your professional dental care.
Visit Our Buford, GA, Dentist Office
We are the local family dentist you can trust. You’ll enjoy friendly, personalized service from a highly trained staff. Contact our dental office today to schedule your appointment.
Our office is located in Buford, Georgia, and we proudly serve the surrounding areas, including Lawrenceville, Braselton, and Flowery Branch.