General Dentistry
Your smile deserves care that's thorough, gentle, and easy to access. From routine check-ups and cleanings to fillings and preventative care, our skilled dentists take the time to listen and explain your options clearly. With flexible hours, direct billing, and Vancouver locations, our family dentists make quality dental care simple.
What is General Dentistry?
General dentistry addresses the two most common oral diseases: tooth decay and periodontal disease. Common treatments include dental hygiene treatments, restoration of teeth with dental fillings, extraction of teeth, exams, x-rays, night guards, gum recontouring and more.
Ready to book? Click below to schedule an appointment for dental hygiene, general dentistry, or any of the services listed below.
Dental Exams
A dental exam is a routine check-up where your dentist checks your teeth, gums, and mouth for cavities, gum disease, and other issues before they become bigger problems.
Expected result: A comprehensive exam allows a dentist to pick up diseases or damage to teeth and the mouth early when they are easier to fix or stop (and less expensive to treat). Many dental diseases are silent early on, and a regular exam is the only way to find and treat the diseases.
Teeth Cleanings
Teeth cleaning involves removal of plaque or tartar from teeth to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Good oral hygiene keeps the mouth and teeth clean in order to prevent dental problems like cavities, bad breath, gingivitis, and more.
Why teeth cleanings are important: Periodontal disease can result in gum infections, the loss of bone around the teeth and ultimately loss of teeth. Inflammation and bacteria in the mouth from gum disease are linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke, diabetes, and more. Oral health helps your overall health.
Dental Fillings
A dental filling repairs a tooth affected by decay, restoring its shape and strength after the damaged area has been treated.
Expected result: With a filling, you can expect a tooth restored to full function and a natural look. Cracked, broken, or worn-down teeth regain their strength and shape, while white composite fillings can close gaps or reshape your smile for a more attractive result. A stable, even bite also means less strain on your jaw, reducing the risk of headaches or TMJ discomfort.
Extractions
An extraction removes a tooth that's too decayed or damaged to save, or a wisdom tooth that lacks room to erupt and risks infection, pain, or damage to neighbouring teeth. While saving your natural teeth is always preferred, extraction is sometimes the best way to protect your oral health.
Expected result: Modern techniques and anaesthetic make extractions as comfortable and atraumatic as possible. Your dentist will help prevent shifting in adjacent teeth and discuss replacement options, like bridges or implants, to keep your smile and bite intact.
Sealants
Sealants are thin, clear coatings applied to the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of teeth, where cavities often start in children. They're quick and painless to place, requiring no anaesthetic, making them an easy win for preventive care.
Expected result: By sealing off grooves that toothbrush bristles can't reach, sealants keep food and bacteria out and prevent nearly 100% of decay from starting there. They're checked at regular visits and may need occasional repair to keep protecting your teeth.
Dental X-rays
X-rays let your dentist see what's hidden beneath the surface, like bone loss, decay between teeth, and crowding in the jaw. They also reveal whether permanent teeth are present in children and can flag signs of more serious medical concerns.
Why X-rays are important: Since over 90% of oral health issues aren't visible to the naked eye, X-rays are essential for seeing under the gums and inside the jaw and teeth. The result is a thorough, accurate exam and diagnosis.
Nightguards
A nightguard is a custom-fit plastic shell worn over your upper or lower teeth to stop grinding or clenching (bruxism), often caused by stress, from damaging your teeth and jaw joints. Different types are available depending on your needs, whether that's grinding, clenching, sleep apnea, or TMJ therapy.
Expected result: If you're waking up with sore teeth, sore jaws, or restless sleep, a nightguard can protect your teeth from chipping or breaking while easing muscle tension, headaches, and jaw pain. It also helps prevent the tooth movement and misalignment that grinding and clenching can cause over time.
Sports Mouth Guards
A sports guard is a custom-fitted protective device that covers your teeth and gums to reduce the risk of injury during contact sports. Unlike bulky store-bought options, a custom fit keeps it comfortable for long-term wear and easy to breathe with.
Expected result: Custom sports guards fit better and protect better than over-the-counter alternatives, guarding against damage to teeth, gums, and jaws as well as broader facial injuries. For contact sports and extreme activities like mountain biking, martial arts, or football, a properly made guard can also help reduce the risk of concussion, saving you from painful damage and hours in the dental chair down the road.