What is General Dentistry?
General dental procedures are specific to correcting the functioning of your teeth while helping improve cosmetic problems. General dentistry is ideal for both adult and pediatric patients. It is geared specifically to each individual patient, so your treatment will be different from another person coming in for care. We offer a wide range of different general dental procedures that can benefit your oral health.
Why is General Dentistry necessary?
General dentistry has many different purposes. For one, it helps to restore oral functioning so that it’s easier for you to eat and chew. Many procedures help to eliminate pain and problems associated with one or more teeth. Another reason for why general dentistry is so important is because it corrects cosmetic issues that you might be experiencing concerning your smile.
Who’s a candidate for General Dentistry?
Everyone is a candidate for general dentistry procedures. Our goal is to provide you with the care that you and your family need in a relaxed and modern environment. We take the time to get to know each of our patients and specify care according to what they require. General dentistry can even help in providing preventative care approaches to protect your teeth.
What to expect with General Dentistry
We begin our time with patients with a cleaning and examination. This allows us to get to know the patient and create a treatment plan that is specific to them. Care is administered on an individual basis, and we always take your budgeting needs into consideration when planning out treatment for you. With the help of a complete consultation, we can get a feel for what your smile needs in order for it to look its absolute best. Some of the most common procedures you can expect with general dentistry include:
- Fillings
- Crowns and Bridge Work
- Dentures and Partials
- Root Canals
- Preventative Care
- Extractions
- Minor Oral Surgery
If you are ready to come into our office for a dental appointment, call us today and we will be happy to answer any of your questions.
I Haven’t Been to the Dentist in a Long Time. What Should I Do?
If it has been years since your last dental visit, you are not alone. Many people put off dental care because life gets busy. Others had a bad past experience. Some feel embarrassed or worried about pain, cost, or what the doctor might find.
The most important thing to know is, don’t be scared. A good dental team is not there to judge you. They are there to help you feel comfortable. They will explain your options and help you take the next step toward a healthier smile.
It’s Okay If It Has Been a While
Whether it has been two years, five years, or even longer, your first visit back is simply a starting point. Dr. Gates will evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health. From there, a plan can be created around your needs, comfort level, and goals.
You do not need to have a perfect smile before coming in. That is what dental care is for.
Modern Dentistry Is More Comfortable Than You May Remember
One of the biggest reasons people avoid dental visits is fear of pain. The good news is that dental care has changed a lot. Today, many practices focus on painless dentistry and gentle treatment techniques. These options can help patients feel calm and comfortable.
The dental team can also talk with you about numbing options, advanced technology, and ways to make your visit easier. If you are nervous, let the office know before your appointment. They can walk you through what to expect and help you feel more in control.
Start With a Comprehensive Exam
If it has been a long time since your last visit, the best place to start is a comprehensive exam with Dr. Gates. This full exam allows Dr. Gates to evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health.
During this visit, the team will check for cavities, gum disease, infection, worn teeth, broken teeth, and other concerns. They will also determine what type of dental hygiene cleaning is right for you.
Some patients may need a routine cleaning. Others may need a more in-depth cleaning to treat gum inflammation or periodontal concerns. This approach helps make sure your care is based on your current oral health needs.
What If I Need Dental Work?
Needing dental treatment does not mean you did anything wrong. It simply means your mouth needs attention. Many dental concerns are common. They are also easier to treat when they are found early.
If you have tooth pain, infection, or a deep cavity, Dr. Gates may recommend root canals. This treatment can help save the natural tooth and relieve discomfort.
If you have missing teeth, broken teeth, or teeth that cannot be saved, you still have options. Treatments like dental implants or dentures may help restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
The goal is not to overwhelm you. The goal is to treat the most important concerns first and build a plan step by step.
Can I Improve the Way My Smile Looks?
Absolutely. Many patients who return to dental care after a long time want better oral health. They also want to feel more confident about their smile.
Cosmetic options like veneers can improve the appearance of chipped, stained, uneven, or misshapen teeth. For patients who want a more complete transformation, smile makeovers can combine multiple treatments. These treatments may improve the color, shape, alignment, and overall look of the smile.
Dr. Gates can help you decide what is realistic, healthy, and appropriate for your goals.
You Don’t Have to Do Everything at Once
A common fear is being told you need a long list of treatments all at once. Dr. Gates may identify several areas that need attention. That does not mean everything has to be done right away.
Treatment can often be phased over time. The first priority is usually pain, infection, active decay, or gum disease. After that, Dr. Gates can help you plan restorative or cosmetic improvements based on your timeline and budget.
Take the First Step
The hardest part is often making the appointment. Once you are in the chair, you may feel relieved to finally have answers and a plan.
If you haven’t been to the dentist in a long time, don’t wait until something hurts. Schedule a visit and be honest about your concerns. Let Dr. Gates and the dental team help you move forward one step at a time.
Your smile is not beyond help. With the right care and support, you can get back on track. You can also feel confident about your oral health again.
General Dentistry services
Children's Dentistry
It's important to bring your child to see the dentist once every six months. Their six month checkup appointment allows us to examine their teeth and provide them with a dental cleaning.
Dental Cleanings
Keeping your teeth healthy and clean requires more than diligent brushing and flossing at home. In many cases, plaque will build upon different areas of the teeth...
Dental Emergencies
Don’t let dental pain or unexpected issues disrupt your life. Magnolia Mountain Dentistry offers same-day appointments for dental emergencies, ensuring you get the prompt care you need to restore your smile and comfort.
Dental Sealants
Sealants are thin, clear protective coverings that can be applied to the back teeth. They are meant to prevent cavities and deep staining that would otherwise occur if...
Dental Sealants
Sealants are thin, clear protective coverings that can be applied to the back teeth. They are meant to prevent cavities and deep staining that would otherwise occur if...
Dental X-rays
A dental x-ray is an image that enables us to see underneath the surface of teeth and gums. These images can help us to see decay, infections, impacted teeth...
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is most commonly found in dental products, like toothpastes and mouthwashes. It is designed to protect and strengthen a person's teeth, making them less...
Minimally Invasive Dentistry
At Magnolia Mountain Dentistry, our goal is to preserve your natural teeth using minimally invasive techniques that promote long-term health and comfort. Led by Dr. Ashley Gates, our team offers innovative treatments like Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), nutritional counseling, and a holistic approach to identifying the root causes of cavities.
Periodontal Therapy
Combat gum disease with specialized periodontal therapy at Magnolia Mountain Dentistry, in Asheville. Restore oral health, protect your smile, and improve overall wellbeing.
Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry keeps your teeth and gums healthy, avoiding oral health issues. Regular exams and good oral hygiene habits are essential for a healthy mouth.
Tooth Extractions
Extractions are done as a way to preserve your oral health and remove problematic teeth. In some cases, you may need to have teeth removed because of advanced...