General dentistry is a branch of dental care that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating common dental problems. At Mohr Smiles, our team emphasizes the importance of regular dental check-ups. Preventative care is crucial for maintaining good oral health and is the foundation for enjoying a lifetime of optimal oral health and wellness. By scheduling regular visits, we can help patients prevent common dental issues such as cavities and gum disease. Early detection of dental problems allows for less invasive treatments, saving you time and discomfort.
Our General Dentistry Services
At Mohr Smiles, we offer a wide range of general dentistry services in our Tucson dentist office. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care for all your dental needs with a personalized approach. When you visit with us regularly, our team can get to know you and better understand your unique risk factors for common concerns.
Dental Cleanings
Routine dental cleanings are a fundamental part of maintaining oral health. Our professional team ensures that each cleaning session removes plaque and tartar build-up effectively. This process not only keeps your teeth clean but also helps in preventing more severe dental issues.
Dental Sealants
A sealant is a plastic coating placed over the chewing surfaces of molars. Pits and fissures on these surfaces are prone to decay. Applying sealants to first and second molars as soon as they erupt helps prevent decay. No drilling and no anesthetic are needed.
Fillings and Restorations
If you have cavities or damaged teeth, fillings and restorations are necessary. They restore the integrity of the tooth and support long-term oral health. Dr. Mohr uses high-quality materials for fillings to ensure durability and a natural appearance. Restorations help in maintaining the functionality and aesthetics of your teeth.
Cracked Teeth & Dental Fillings
A cracked or broken tooth is one of the most common reasons dentists see patients for emergencies. Patient’s often associate the problem with eating something hard and don’t realize that the problem started with a weakened tooth caused by silver fillings.
Silver fillings, called amalgam fillings, are old technology, first used in the early 1800’s. As dentistry has advanced and better materials invented, this technology has become all but obsolete. However, many of us still retain our childhood amalgam fillings. Most teeth with these fillings show some degree of stress fractures and cracks. These fillings are sturdy – so sturdy, in fact, that they are usually still solidly in place when the tooth has fallen apart around it.
How do these fractures happen? The metals in the amalgam filling contract and expand repeatedly with slight temperature changes. Over time, something has to give. Because your tooth doesn’t expand and contract with the metal filling, and it is more brittle than amalgam, it eventually develops cracks. The larger the amalgam filling, the more likely you are to have a fracture or cracked tooth syndrome.
What does that mean for your tooth? There are several consequences to these cracks. At minimum, even the smallest craze lines allow bacteria inside your tooth, greatly increasing the likelihood of tooth decay. These cracks also weaken the tooth, and lead to a complete fracture of part of the tooth. This can happen with or without associated pain. Often, these cracks cause sensitivity and a soreness when biting known as cracked tooth syndrome. This happens when the crack has propagated down the root or toward the pulp enough to affect your nerves.
Often, it is recommended to replace amalgam fillings with white composite to help prevent further cracks from forming. Sometimes the cracks or the amalgam fillings are too big for this to help and a crown is the recommended treatment. The goal is to prevent further damage and avoid serious problems that can lead to root canals or tooth loss.
We use magnification and intraoral photographs to evaluate the damage from amalgam fillings. We use this evaluation to make appropriate recommendations for the protection of each affected tooth.
Oral Examinations
Oral examinations are crucial for identifying any underlying dental problems. During these exams, Dr. Mohr thoroughly checks your teeth, gums, and mouth. This comprehensive check-up helps in diagnosing any potential issues early on, allowing for prompt treatment.
Emergency Dentistry
Our most common dental emergencies are broken teeth and pulpitis. Dr. Mohr is always on call for her patients when dental emergencies happen. Our office always finds room in our schedule to see you the same day if you have a true dental emergency. If you are having a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Root Canal Therapy
The tooth pulp contains a nerve and blood supply, which can cause pain when infected by decay or traumatized. When pulpal inflammation or pulpal necroses (death) occur, root canal therapy may be needed. The dentist will use local anesthetic so you don’t feel any pain and clean the decay out of the pulp canals in the infected tooth. The tooth is then sealed to keep out bacteria.
Preventative Care
Preventative care includes regular cleanings and examinations. These services are essential for removing plaque and tartar that can lead to more severe dental issues. Our team is dedicated to providing thorough cleanings that leave your mouth feeling fresh and healthy.
Early Detection of Dental Issues
Regular check-ups allow us to identify potential problems before they become serious. Early detection of conditions like cavities or gum disease means treatments are more manageable and less costly. Our advanced technology helps us catch these issues early, ensuring you receive the best care possible.
Benefits of Good Oral Health
Maintaining good oral health has numerous benefits. It is not just about a beautiful smile; it also contributes to your overall well-being. At our practice, we aim to help you understand the importance of oral hygiene.
Overall Wellness
Good oral health is linked to overall wellness. Poor oral hygiene can lead to various health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. Taking care of your teeth and gums can lower your risk of these conditions and improve your general health.
Boost in Confidence
A healthy smile can significantly boost your confidence. Knowing that your teeth and gums are in good condition allows you to smile freely and interact with others confidently. At Mohr Smiles, we strive to help you achieve a smile that you can be proud of.
Our Technology
Dr. Mohr incorporates advanced technology to enhance the quality of care we provide. Our modern equipment ensures accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.
Digital X-Rays
Digital X-rays are a vital part of our diagnostic process. They provide clear images of your teeth and jaw, allowing us to identify issues that are not visible during a regular examination. This technology minimizes your exposure to radiation, making it a safer option.
Intraoral Cameras
Intraoral cameras are another technological advancement we use. These small cameras give us a detailed view of your teeth and gums. This technology helps us detect problems early and discuss treatment options more effectively. Regular check-ups, a variety of services, and the use of modern technology ensure that you receive the highest-quality dental care.