Maintaining a relationship with a trusted dental health provider is essential for overall oral health. Routine dental visits help prevent common oral conditions and halt the progress of progressive issues like gum disease.
In Baton Rouge, LA, Drs. Michael Juban and Cody Cowen of Juban Cowen Dental Care dedicate a significant portion of their practice to general dentistry treatments and solutions, including:
Routine Dental Cleanings and Check-Ups
Healthy teeth and gums start with routine dental cleanings and check-ups. These are generally recommended every six months. However, some patients may require more frequent visits, especially if they are prone to decay, halitosis and gum disease.
At each dental checkup, Dr. Juban or Dr. Cowen will make sure that nothing significant has changed in the mouth. To see what’s happening under the gums, dental x-rays may be needed. Typically, x-rays are recommended every year, and occasionally more often depending upon the patient’s needs.
The team at Juban Cowen Dental Care uses dental check-ups as a time to conduct thorough dental cleanings. Although brushing and flossing regularly can reduce plaque and tartar buildup, as well as help decrease the likelihood of decay, an in-office dental cleaning comprehensively removes any debris missed by toothbrushes, water flossers, and dental floss.
Before the cleaning, the hygienist will perform a brief oral cancer screening to rule out any warning signs of cancer or other conditions. Detecting oral cancer in its beginning stages is the best way to keep it from progressing. For children and some teens or adults, fluoride treatments may also be suitable.
Gum Disease Treatment and Management
The CDC estimates that about half the population in the United States has gingivitis or periodontitis. When detected early, gum disease can be halted with proper periodontal treatments. If you already have mild to moderate periodontitis, the condition can be managed with scaling and root planing, a nonsurgical deep cleaning.
If you notice warning signs of gum disease – including bleeding gums, bad breath, painful gums, red gums, gum recession, loose teeth, or swollen gums – you should contact your dentist right away. Without treatment, gum disease leads to both tooth and bone loss, and has been linked to systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
General Dentistry Restorative Solutions
Sometimes, a tooth is cracked, discolored, decayed, or chipped but doesn’t need to be extracted. In this case, conservative treatment is often the best approach, which allows the patient to keep his or her natural tooth.
Decayed or damaged teeth typically require composite fillings or dental crowns. If a tooth is infected, root canal therapy will be recommended to eliminate the bacteria at its source.
Make an appointment with Juban Cowen Dental Care to learn more about general dentistry in Baton Rouge, LA. Contact us online anytime or give us a call at (225) 777-9236.
