General Dentistry – Toledo, OH

General dentistry includes a range of preventive treatments designed to help you avoid problems that might otherwise damage your teeth and gums. Regular dental checkups, cleanings, and other general dentistry treatments are the foundation on which we build your excellent oral health, and we pay a great deal of attention to prevention because it’s much better to stop a problem before it starts. Preventive dentistry can save you the time, expense, and discomfort of having to rebuild your smile once cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems have caused destruction. At Dental Group West, Drs. Thomas, Weisenburger, and Poole perform a variety of general dentistry services for Toledo, Ohio patients.

Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings

We recommend that you visit Dental Group West every six months for general dentistry exams and dental cleanings in Toledo. These routine visits are vital because they give us the opportunity to catch oral health problems early on, before they require extensive (and expensive) treatment. Regular cleanings are also vital because once tartar (the hardened form of plaque) develops on your teeth, it cannot be removed with a regular toothbrush. Additionally, these appointments give you the chance to ask us any questions you may have about how you can take excellent care of your teeth and gums on a daily basis.

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Fluoride Treatments

Tooth enamel is extremely hard, but it is not invulnerable. In fact, tiny pieces of it get worn away every day as you eat and drink. Fluoride is a special type of mineral that has the power to replenish weakened tooth enamel and replace the bits of it that get lost due to daily activities. Most toothpastes, as well as many municipal water supplies, contain fluoride. However, we often recommend that our patients receive fluoride treatments while in our office so they can get an extra helping of this remarkable mineral. Applying topical fluoride to your teeth is a quick and painless process that can have long-lasting benefits!

Silver Diamine Fluoride

At Dental Group West, we utilize silver diamine fluoride to help patients’ tooth enamel regain and retain its natural strength. It has the power to prevent future tooth decay and sensitivity. While we often use this quick and simple treatment for younger patients, who are generally at a higher risk of developing cavities, adults may also benefit from it. Silver diamine fluoride is wonderful for protecting primary (baby) teeth from decay, while more mature patients can use it to protect their permanent teeth. Regardless of your age, you can be confident that this treatment is beneficial for your oral health.

Nightguards for Bruxism

Due to the stresses of everyday life, defects in the jaw, or other factors, many adults suffer from bruxism (habitual, involuntary teeth grinding and clenching that usually happens at night). Over time, bruxism can seriously damage tooth enamel and lead to a range of painful complications, including tooth sensitivity and gum recession. If we notice signs of this problem in your mouth, we can prevent further harm by providing you with a nightguard. This small, custom oral appliance will place a barrier between your teeth as you sleep and prevent them from damaging one another.

Oral Cancer Screening

Every year, tens of thousands of adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with oral cancer, many of whom have never smoked or chewed tobacco. In most cases, the ones who beat this disease are the ones who catch it while it is still in its early stages. That is why we include an oral cancer screening as part of every checkup. With a quick and noninvasive tactile and visual examination, we search for any abnormalities in or around the oral cavity that could indicate cancer. If we notice any cause for concern, we will help you to arrange for further testing.

TMJ/TMD Therapy

The TMJ is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the rest of the skull. When this joint is overworked or misaligned, serious complications can result. Headaches, difficulty chewing, earaches, and the sensation of lockjaw are just a few possible symptoms of TMJ dysfunction (TMD). If you are suffering from TMD, we will carefully analyze the problem and recommend an appropriate treatment. The TMJ therapy that is right for you will depend on your unique situation. A nightguard, facial massage, and stress relief techniques are all effective, non-surgical means for relieving TMJ pain.

Sleep Apnea Therapy

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common and dangerous condition that causes a person to stop breathing periodically throughout the night. It occurs due to soft tissues in the mouth or throat overrelaxing while you sleep, which causes them to fully or partially blocking the airway. OSA can lead to daytime exhaustion, loud snoring, and an increased risk of many systemic health conditions. Your dentist in Toledo can help you to achieve higher-quality rest by providing you with a custom oral appliance that will gently reposition your jaw, thereby helping oxygen to flow unobstructed through your airway.

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