Routine dental care and regular check-ups are crucial for keeping your teeth healthy. Preventive dentistry, which is part of general dentistry, helps stop dental problems before they become serious. At Hope Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer general dental services in Tulsa, OK, to keep your smile in top shape.
General dentistry focuses on keeping your mouth healthy and preventing major dental issues. These treatments form the foundation of good dental care. Tulsa dentist Dr. Jerome Cha provides high-quality dental services to keep you healthy for years to come.
General Dentistry Services in Tulsa, OK
We offer many preventive dentistry services to help you maintain good oral health and avoid problems like tooth damage, wear, or infections. Here’s what we provide:
Sports Mouthguard
A custom sports mouthguard is a protective device made to fit over your upper teeth and gums. This mouthguard helps prevent injuries to your teeth and gums during contact sports, like football, hockey, or basketball. If you have braces or other dental work, a custom mouthguard adds an extra layer of protection, reducing the risk of damage and keeping your orthodontic treatment on track.
Emergency Dental Care
Dental emergencies can happen at any time. Whether it’s a severe toothache, a broken tooth, or even a knocked-out tooth, quick care can make a big difference. Our emergency dental services are designed to provide prompt relief, protect your oral health, and restore your smile.
Laser Dentistry
Dental lasers are a modern tool we use for a variety of treatments. For instance, lasers can safely remove excess gum tissue to improve the look of your smile. They can also be used for skin treatments, like reducing fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, by gently tightening the skin. Laser treatments are typically quick, precise, and comfortable, with a faster healing time than traditional methods.
Dental Sedation
If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist or have a procedure that will take a long time, dental sedation can help you stay calm and comfortable. Sedation options allow you to relax during your appointment, making dental care easier and less stressful. It’s a great option for patients with dental anxiety or those needing more complex treatments.
Tooth Extraction
Sometimes, a tooth is too damaged to be saved with a filling or crown. In these cases, we may need a tooth extraction to protect your oral health. Removing a problem tooth can prevent infections and further damage. After tooth removal, we offer replacement options, such as implants or bridges, to restore your smile and keep your teeth aligned.
What Are Mercury-Free Fillings?
In the 1840s, dentists started using a paste made of silver and mercury to fill cavities. This mixture would harden and protect the tooth for many years. But in the 1980s, new materials were developed that allowed dentists to use stronger, mercury-free fillings.
Dr. Jerome uses white composite fillings instead of metal ones. We are a mercury-free practice because of the many benefits these fillings offer, including:
- Less Tooth Removal: White fillings require removing less of your natural tooth compared to metal fillings.
- Tooth Bonding: White fillings bond directly to your tooth, helping to strengthen it, unlike metal fillings that can weaken the tooth.
- Reduced Sensitivity: Unlike metal, which can conduct heat and cold, white fillings are less likely to cause sensitivity.
- Better Protection: White fillings seal off the tooth, protecting it from future decay.
- Natural Look: These fillings match the color of your teeth, blending in for a natural appearance.
We usually recommend white fillings for most patients especially if you have a damaged metal filling or need a filling after a root canal.
What is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry helps stop dental problems before they get worse. Early care can prevent infections, tooth loss, and even oral cancer. As your dentist in Tulsa, OK, Dr. Jerome Cha focuses on keeping you healthy. Our regular dental check-ups ensure your teeth, gums, and dental work stay in good shape. Routine visits are a part of general dentistry services in our Tulsa, OK, dental office.
Dental Cleanings
During a dental cleaning, we remove leftover food and bacteria from your mouth. These cleanings reach spots that might be hard to clean at home. After cleaning, we polish your teeth to keep them smooth and shiny.
If you have dental work like fillings or crowns, we’ll check to make sure they still fit well and look good. Regular checks help keep everything working properly.
Exams
We also do routine exams to check for tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. Tooth decay can cause holes in your teeth, which might lead to tooth loss if not treated.
We want to find signs of gum infection early because gum disease can raise the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Our office also check for signs of oral cancer, like white or red patches or long-lasting mouth sores. Catching these issues early can prevent serious damage.
Consultation
After your cleaning and exam, we’ll give you advice on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. We might suggest changes to your brushing or recommend specific products. If we find any problems during the exam, we’ll make a plan to fix them as soon as possible.
Does Insurance Cover Routine Dental Care?
Most dental insurance plans help cover a big portion of the costs for your regular cleanings and exams. This means you can get the dental care you need without worrying about paying the full amount. We accept a range of dental insurance plans to make it as easy as possible for you to use your benefits. If you don’t have insurance or need help with costs, we offer payment options like CareCredit. CareCredit is a financing plan that lets you pay for your treatment over time, making dental care affordable and accessible for everyone.
At-Home Oral Hygiene
Caring for your teeth and gums at home can prevent many common dental problems. First, floss before you brush. Choose a type of floss that works best for your teeth—thinner floss for tight spaces and thicker floss for larger gaps.
After you floss, brush your teeth and gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush. We recommend using fluoride toothpaste because fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens your teeth. Brushing and flossing twice a day will keep your mouth healthy and your breath fresh.
Watch these videos to learn how to care for your teeth and gums at home:
Call us to Schedule a Preventive Care Visit Today
Do you need to make a dental visit to our office? Schedule a dental appointment with our dentist online. You can also call Hope Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry for general dentistry services in Tulsa, OK, today at 918-347-1114.
We proudly serve patients from Bixby, Tulsa, and the surrounding communities. Please let us know if you have any general and routine dental care questions. We’re here to help.