Your smile needs regular care to help it look and feel its best and function naturally. It is second nature to call Dr. Halle-Brown whenever you have a problem or notice something out of the ordinary; however, you should also visit Upper Bucks Dental Arts for general dentistry services.
General dentistry encompasses several dental treatments to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health for a lifetime. So, whether you want to schedule your next dental checkup or need more complex restorative treatment, we are here to take care of your smile. We are pleased to provide comprehensive general dentistry at our Quakertown, PA office to meet your dental needs and goals for a healthy, beautiful smile.
What is a Root Canal?
A cavity, or even damage too small to be seen with the unaided eye, can permit an infection to reach the pulp at the center of your tooth. This can result in pain, swelling, and even problems for your general health. An infection used to mean a lost tooth, but Dr. Halle-Brown offers root canal therapy using rotary endodontics. Dr. Halle-Brown uses rotary endodontics to ensure that root canal therapy is as comfortable and efficient as possible.
Rotary endodontics allows us to complete your root canal therapy and other endodontic treatments more quickly and with less discomfort. It involves using a specialized electrical handpiece that makes the treatment easier for us and more comfortable for you. This handpiece helps us speed up the treatment.
Root canal therapy is an endodontic treatment that removes infected dental pulp and the tooth nerve. You may benefit from root canal therapy if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Extreme tooth pain, especially when biting down and chewing
- Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
- Persistent or recurring pimples on the nearby gums
- Discoloration (darkening) of the tooth
- Increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
Root canal therapy can relieve these unpleasant symptoms and return your smile to good health.
Dental Fillings
Traditionally, dental fillings have been made of silver amalgam. However, our dental office uses only composite, or tooth-colored, filling material. We use composite filling materials to provide a more natural-looking result and promote better long-term oral health. There are many benefits to composite fillings, including:
- Material that bonds to your tooth to provide more support for the tooth’s structural integrity
- Reduced risk of the treated tooth breaking or fracturing in the future
- Insulation from temperature changes caused by foods and beverages
- Better seals around the edges of the damaged area, increasing the tooth’s resistance to decay and leaks
- The ability to correct cavities that are too small for amalgam fillings to repair
- Fillings that can be repaired and replaced without being removed from the tooth
- No mercury or other metals are used, making the filling safer
When you receive a composite dental filling, we will carefully select a filling that matches your natural tooth color to give you a more beautiful and healthier-looking smile. Fillings can usually be placed in a single appointment.
General Dentistry Treatments in Quakertown, PA
Many dental services are a part of general dentistry. Our general dental treatments include:
Custom Mouthguards
Dr. Halle-Brown can create custom sports mouthguards and nightguards using dental impressions. Sports mouthguards protect from dental injuries, and nightguards prevent problems like tooth wear, teeth clenching, and grinding.
Emergency Dentistry
If you have a sudden dental problem, call our office immediately. We provide emergency dental care for patients with a variety of problems, including lost or broken teeth, tooth pain, or broken dental restorations.
Family Dentistry
Our family-friendly dental office provides services for patients in every age group. If you need a dentist who can see your whole family, contact us today.
Laser Dentistry
We use dental lasers to treat gum disease and gummy smiles. Dental lasers are quiet and painless dental tools that target and treat soft tissues.
Sleep Apnea
Dr. Halle-Brown provides thorough sleep apnea therapy, coordinating with general practitioners for sleep studies as needed. She creates custom treatment plans for patients with digital scans for custom sleep appliances.
Tooth Extraction
Removing an impacted or infected tooth can sometimes save a smile. We provide comfortable dental extractions in our office using anesthetic or dental sedation.
General Dentistry FAQs
General dentistry provides the foundation for a healthy smile. To learn more, read the answers to these commonly asked questions.
How often should I visit the dentist?
Most people should see the dentist every six months for a cleaning and check-up. Regular visits help us catch small problems early before they become bigger and more painful. However, some patients may need to come more often if they have gum disease, a history of cavities, or other oral health issues. Dr. Halle-Brown can recommend the best schedule for you.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes, dental X-rays are safe and use very low levels of radiation. They help us see areas between teeth and beneath the gums that are not visible. We take every precaution to minimize exposure using lead aprons and modern digital X-ray technology. For most people, the benefits of early detection far outweigh the small risks.
Why are dental cleanings important?
Even with good brushing and flossing habits, plaque and tartar can build up in hard-to-reach areas. Dental cleanings remove these substances, helping prevent cavities and gum disease. They also help keep your breath fresh and your smile bright. Regular cleanings make it easier to maintain long-term oral health.
What is fluoride, and why is it important?
Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent decay. It’s found in many toothpastes, mouth rinses, and community water supplies. Dentists may also apply fluoride treatments during cleanings, especially for children or patients with a high risk of cavities. Regular exposure to fluoride helps keep teeth strong and healthy.
Do I need to floss every day?
Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles between your teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. Daily flossing helps prevent gum disease and cavities between teeth. If you find flossing difficult, we can suggest other tools like floss picks or water flossers. Consistency is key to protecting your oral health.
What is the difference between plaque and tartar?
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth daily. If it’s not removed by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar. Tartar is much harder to remove and can only be cleaned by a dental professional. Tartar buildup can lead to gum disease and other problems.
Call Our Dental Office
To learn more about our dental services and to schedule your next visit to our friendly office, we welcome you to contact us today. Call (215) 876-0543 or request a dental consultation on our website.