What are General Dentists?
General dentists work to maintain the health of your teeth and gums and prevent and treat any dental problems that arise. General dentists, like Dr. Newman, are primary care dental providers specializing in diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral diseases and conditions. Dr. Newman examines your teeth and mouth for signs of oral diseases and looks for any signs of dental decay. He also provides preventive care, such as cleaning and fluoride treatment.
In addition, general dentists provide basic restorative care, like filling cavities, and they can also perform more complex procedures such as root canals, gum surgery, and crowns. Dr. Newman also provides oral health advice and education to our patients. General dentists often serve as a gateway to specialty care, such as orthodontics or periodontics, and they can even provide cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening.
General Services to Maintain Your Smile
While everyone’s smile and dental health needs are unique, some factors are consistent. For example, everyone needs consistently clean teeth and gums for their smiles to stay healthy and a properly functioning bite with properly aligned teeth and jaws. General dentistry’s focus is to help you maintain every aspect of your oral health by preventing dental disease, addressing functional issues, and more. If you require a more involved cosmetic or restorative treatment, your general dental visits will optimize your chances of detecting and treating the problem as early as possible.
Our general dental treatments include:
- Exams & Screenings: Dental exams are necessary for good oral hygiene. During a dental exam, Dr. Newman will inspect the teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth for signs of decay, gum disease, and other conditions. We may also take x-rays to better look at the teeth and surrounding area. X-rays are an essential part of the dental exam and can help to detect cavities, infections, and other conditions that may not be visible by simply examining the teeth.
- Dental & Perio Cleaning: Dental cleanings are essential to regular oral health care. During a dental cleaning, your dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums and floss and polish your teeth. This helps to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Periodontal cleanings are more intensive treatments, usually done in cases of advanced gum disease. During a periodontal cleaning, we will remove bacteria and plaque from the teeth and gums and may even need to cut away some of the gum tissue. This helps to keep the gums healthy and reduces the risk of further damage from periodontal disease.
- Children’s Dentistry: Children’s dentistry is a specialized area of dentistry that focuses on the care of children’s teeth and gums. This type of dentistry is vital for children’s overall health, as it helps prevent problems such as cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Dr. Newman ensures that children have healthy teeth and gums and are properly educated on the importance of good oral hygiene. He also provides various services, from preventive care to corrective treatment, so that children can have healthy teeth and gums for life.
- Bruxism & TMJ Treatment: Bruxism is a condition that involves grinding and clenching of the teeth and is often associated with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ). We may recommend a dental appliance to reduce the intensity of tooth grinding or jaw clenching for severe cases. In some cases, we may prescribe medication to reduce muscle tension in the jaw, reduce stress and anxiety, and help control the grinding and clenching of the teeth. In cases where the cause of bruxism is related to a misalignment of the jaw, orthodontic treatment may be used to reposition the jaw.
- Snoring & Sleep Apnea: Snoring is a common sleep disorder that occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the throat vibrate during sleep, causing a loud and disruptive noise. The most common cause of snoring is obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. Treatment for sleep apnea typically includes lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding alcohol or sleeping on one’s side and using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove excess tissue in the back of the throat, reduce snoring, and improve breathing during sleep.
Schedule a General Dental Visit in Tucson, AZ
Even with a masterful dental hygiene routine at home, your smile still requires routine general dental care to remain as healthy as possible. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling Dr. Newman’s dental office in Tucson, AZ, today at 520-296-5439.
We’re conveniently located inside the Grant Road Professional Plaza and proudly welcome all surrounding communities’ residents.