General Dentistry
Dr. Balthasar’s Approach to General Dentistry
QUALITY CARE FOR YOUR FAMILY’S DENTAL NEEDS
If you’re looking for a warm and friendly general dental practice where your comfort and well-being are top priorities, look no further than Dr. Balthasar’s office. With a focus on preventive dentistry, Dr. Balthasar believes in giving you the tools and knowledge you need to protect your oral health. We offer a range of general dental services, from professional cleanings to dental bridges and everything in between. We treat our patients just like family and aim to create positive experiences that make looking after your teeth and gums easy.
Professional Dental Cleanings
PREVENTIVE CARE FOR A HEALTHY SMILE
Regular professional dental cleanings are important even if you have an excellent at-home oral hygiene routine. We recommend visiting us for these preventive cleanings and evaluations, which is usually every six months for most patients who generally have healthy teeth and gums. We have the instruments and expertise necessary to reach and remove hardened tartar for a thorough cleaning that will leave your smile radiant and bacteria-free.
Oral Cancer Screenings
EARLY DETECTION IS KEY
Included in each of our preventive dental checkups is an oral cancer screening. We use both palpation and visual techniques to identify any early signs of oral cancer, such as white or red patches or lumps. Regular screenings are important because early detection can save lives.
Our General Dental Services Help You:
SPOT DENTAL PROBLEMS EARLY
MAINTAIN YOUR ORAL HEALTH
ENJOY A HEALTHY SMILE
Fluoride Varnish
STRENGTHENS AND PROTECTS YOUR ENAMEL
Fluoride varnish is a simple preventive treatment we often apply after a professional dental cleaning. It is a highly concentrated form of fluoride safe for use in both children and adults. The varnish is absorbed into the tooth structure, strengthening the enamel and preventing cavities. Another benefit of a fluoride varnish is that it helps reduce tooth sensitivity.
Dental Sealants
EFFECTIVE PROTECTION AGAINST CAVITIES
Dental sealants are another common preventive treatment designed to safeguard against cavities. The sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars. This is because your molars have grooves and crevices where harmful bacteria might find a home. It’s not always easy to clean those uneven surfaces, and if left unprotected, decay may form. The sealants provide a flatter, easier-to-clean surface and prevent harmful bacteria from entering in the first place.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
NATURAL-LOOKING RESTORATIONS
Tooth-colored fillings continue to be a popular restoration choice because of their natural-looking appearance. They are made of biocompatible, metal-free composite resin material. We color-match the filling material to your existing smile for a seamless finish. We also offer BPA-free white fillings for patients who prefer this option.
Root Canal Treatment
RELIEVES PAIN AND PREVENTS THE NEED FOR EXTRACTION
Root canal treatment involves the removal of a tooth’s inner soft tissue, or dental pulp, to resolve infection and pain. While a root canal may seem like a complex treatment, it is a straightforward method that can help you save a damaged tooth and prevent the need for an extraction. After removing the infected pulp, Dr. Balthasar will disinfect the canals before resealing them. Then we will create a dental crown to go over the tooth to protect it and prevent any further issues.
Dental Crowns
RESTORES FUNCTION IN A DAMAGED TOOTH
A dental crown is a restoration that covers the entire tooth. It is a great way to strengthen and protect a tooth that has suffered extensive decay, wear, or other damage. We take traditional impressions to ensure your custom crown fits perfectly. Once cemented in place, your crown will provide much-needed stability to your tooth so that you can eat, speak, and chew normally again.
Tooth Extraction
COMFORTABLE REMOVAL OF NONRESTORABLE TEETH
An extraction might be necessary if your tooth is damaged or decayed to the point it cannot be saved. Extractions are nothing to fear. Our gentle, caring team will ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the entire process. Prior to treatment, we will go over your tooth-replacement options and discuss which ones would work best for you. After your tooth has been removed, we will provide you with comprehensive instructions so that you know exactly what to expect and can heal quickly.
Periodontal Therapy
RESTORING YOUR GUM HEALTH
Periodontal therapy is a comprehensive approach to treating gum disease. Conditions such as gingivitis (the earliest stage) and periodontitis are quite common, and patients may experience symptoms such as:
- Tooth sensitivity to cold or heat
- Gum recession
- Gum tenderness
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Tooth mobility
- Abscess
Periodontal therapy generally begins with scaling and root planing, a specialized deep cleaning that removes bacteria and buildup below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces. Other techniques (both surgical and nonsurgical) designed to restore gum health and help you avoid extractions may also be necessary depending on the severity of disease.
Nightguards and Mouth Guards
PROTECTION FROM GRINDING AND SPORTS INJURIES
Nightguards and mouth guards play important roles in protecting the teeth from injury. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common condition where people grind or clench their teeth, especially while they sleep or during stressful situations throughout the day. Over time, this can cause wear, cracks, and jaw dysfunction. Nightguards, however, can prevent these effects by acting as a barrier between the teeth and forcing the jaw muscles to relax.
Similarly, mouth guards can protect against sports-related facial injuries by cushioning the teeth from impact. Dr. Balthasar takes precise impressions to ensure every nightguard and mouth guard fits comfortably and provides the right amount of coverage.
Take a closer look at our other services.
Afford Your Care
We accept all traditional forms of payment such as cash, checks, and credit cards. Want to maximize your dental insurance benefits? No problem. Our team will submit your dental insurance claims for your convenience. Full payment is due at the time of service.