General Dentistry

There are many types of dentists. General dentists practice a wide array of dental techniques but focus primarily on preventative and restorative dentistry. The American Dental Association and the Canadian Dental Association recommend that patients visit a general dentist regularly to prevent any oral problems

Why is preventative dentistry essential?

Preventative care is the core of good oral health. Habitual preventive oral care is the key to keeping teeth healthy throughout life.

Routine Checkups and Cleanings

We recommend dental checkups every year and cleanings every six months. Our digital x-rays allow us to see in between the teeth and their roots for any indications of decay or infection. If plaque isn’t removed from the mouth, it calcifies and becomes tartar that must be removed by a skilled dental hygienist. Plaque and tartar that remains on the teeth for an extended period can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. 

Ultrasonic Scaling

Our dental hygienists use an ultrasonic scaler to thoroughly and gently remove dental calculus deposits (tartar) from the surface of the teeth to the tooth roots. Ultrasonic scaling effectively helps treat infection and disease in the periodontal pockets. Scaling also removes bad-breath-causing bacteria.

Bruxism Appliances

Many people manage stress by clenching their jaws and grinding their teeth throughout the day or at night in their sleep. This bad habit leads to more detrimental physical stress and tension on the jawbone and teeth. If you grind your teeth in your sleep or during high-stress situations (like driving in traffic), ask your dentist for a nightguard to preserve teeth and gums.

At-Home Preventative Care

Twice annual dental cleanings and yearly checkups are one of the best practices to encourage overall wellness. However, most of life takes place out of the dentist’s chair. It is the patients’ responsibility to uphold good preventative hygiene and habits outside of the office. 

These are hygienic habits that you can practice at home to prevent diseases throughout the body:

• Brush teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Use fluoridated toothpaste to remineralize teeth.
• Floss between teeth to remove food particles and germs that morph into plaque and tartar.
• Rinse with mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.

Certain foods can erode, chip, or stain enamel. Avoid these items in your diet to protect your teeth:

• Acidic foods
• Hard foods
• Foods and drinks high in tannins (such as wine or coffee)
• Natural and artificial food coloring

Additional preventative lifestyle changes to consider: 

• When you play contact sports (like hockey), wear a mouth guard to avoid the risk of permanent dental trauma.
• Tobacco use should be avoided at all costs. Chewing and smoking tobacco products diminish oral health and overall health.

Why is restorative dentistry important?

Restorative dentistry restores and replaces teeth when necessary In addition to benefiting the health of your mouth, dental restorations improve function and aesthetics. 

At our practice in Whitehorse, our dentists offer many restorative dental treatments:

• Amalgam or Composite Resins to fill in cavities. 
• Dental crowns are caps installed over the tooth to reinforce and shield the structure of teeth.
• Root canal treatments to eliminate teeth infections. Teeth are often capped with a crown after this procedure. 
• Orthodontic techniques are used to gently move existing teeth to proper alignment.
• Wisdom teeth extractions when necessary to prevent or treat any possible complications (like food impaction that may lead to decay and infections)
• Gum grafts to prevent or treat receding gums for aesthetic or symptomatic purposes 

Visit Our General Dentists in Whitehorse

Schedule a consultation for a custom dental treatment plan by calling (867) 668-6077.