General Dentistry in Jacksonville, FL

Maintain Your Oral Health at Southern Smiles of Jacksonville, FL

Brushing and flossing alone aren’t enough to protect your teeth from gum disease and other serious complications. That’s why, at Southern Smiles, Jacksonville dentists, Dr. Bethany Burton and Dr. Linda Trotter offer patient-oriented general dentistry treatments. Our Jacksonville dentists and dental team have the tools and skills to maintain your stunning, healthy smile. Learn more from our general dentists, including the basics of general dental care, our general dental services, and how we can help you maintain good oral health by dialing 904-389-3451.

What Is General Dentistry?

Unlike cosmetic dentistry, which is focused on improving smile aesthetics, or restorative dentistry which is more focused on fixing problems after the fact, general dentistry encompasses a broad range of dental services focused on preventive care, routine check-ups, and treatments for common oral health issues and oral diseases. It addresses the overall well-being of your oral cavity, including teeth, gums, and other related structures.

General dentists also have at least four years of dental school experience. The health of your smile is our top priority at our Jacksonville dental practice. We’ll work with you to provide the personalized treatments best suited for maintaining your oral health and wellness.

Benefits of General Dentistry

• Preventive Care: Regular check-ups and cleanings help prevent oral issues before they become serious.
• Early Detection: Timely identification of dental problems allows for prompt and effective treatment.
• Comprehensive Services: General dentists offer a wide range of services, from cleanings to fillings, addressing diverse oral health needs.
• Education: Our dentists can provide tips and instructions on proper oral care, promoting good hygiene habits for lifelong health.
• Cost Savings: Preventive care is often more affordable than treating advanced dental issues, saving money in the long run.
• Overall Health: Oral health is linked to overall health; general dental care contributes to well-being beyond the mouth.
• Personalized Care: Our dentists will tailor treatments to your individual needs, ensuring a customized approach to oral health.
• Consistency: Regular dental visits establish a routine, fostering consistent oral care practices.
• Crisis Management: Our general dentists can address dental emergencies promptly, minimizing potential complications.

Our General Dentistry Services

Dental Cleanings and Exams

Our dentists recommend visiting our Jacksonville dental office once every six months for routine dental cleanings and exams. These regular checkups are crucial so our dentists can provide professional cleanings of the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth and gums and ensure you don’t have any underlying oral health conditions. Our dentists and dental hygienists at Southern Smiles can remove even the most stubborn plaque and tartar to preserve your smile’s health and image.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants can help patients of all ages prevent cavities and tooth decay. Your Jacksonville dentist will paint the dental sealant onto your tooth to protect every groove and ridge from harmful bacteria. While this treatment is typically for children, adults can benefit from this simple and painless solution to cavities prevention. An appointment with a general dentist for dental sealants is fast and painless, making them a good preventive option for all patients.

Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings

Around one in four American adults have at least one cavity. While cavities are common, letting them go untreated can result in serious complications in the future. Tooth-colored dental fillings are a great way to restore teeth affected by cavities and protect them from further harm. Tooth-colored fillings are free of allergenic or possibly toxic metals, don’t cause excess sensitivity, preserve tooth enamel, and blend seamlessly with your smile.

Full and Partial Dentures

Full and partial dentures are a simple and affordable way to restore some or all of the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. These dental prosthetics are made of tooth-colored materials like resin, nylon, or porcelain that look and function like real teeth. Full dentures can replace entire arches, while partials can replace a few teeth in an arch.

Emergency Dentistry

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, we provide emergency dentistry appointments. At our Jacksonville location, your general dentist will make every effort to tend to your dental emergency as soon as possible, usually on the same day. Prompt attention helps to alleviate pain and mitigate further damage.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a safe and painless way to resolve tooth infections. When the dental pulp becomes infected, it can spread to the rest of your teeth. Untreated oral complications can pose a significant threat to your overall well-being. Your Jacksonville dentist will take the utmost care when performing your root canal treatment, removing infected dental pulp and damaged tooth material to save the tooth and restore your smile.

Flouride Treatments

Fluoride treatments are simple, non-invasive ways to strengthen your teeth against decay. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens teeth by promoting remineralization, encouraging the absorption of minerals like calcium and phosphate into tooth enamel. This process creates a more robust crystalline structure, making teeth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.

Additionally, fluoride inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, further protecting teeth from decay. Your Jacksonville dentist or dental hygienist will apply the fluoride as a paste or a simple rinse, for a quick and painless treatment.

Continuing Education

On top of the in-office dental services we provide, our Jacksonville dentists will provide oral health education, giving you advice on how to care for your smile between visits. We’ll give you and your family members tips on oral hygiene, what kind of products to incorporate into their routine, how often they should see us for cleanings and exams, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit a general dentist?

Regular dental check-ups are recommended every six months for preventive care, allowing dentists to detect and address issues early. However, you may need to see your general dentist more or less often depending on your level of oral health.

Does insurance cover general dentistry services?

General dentistry services are often preventive, meaning there’s a good chance that your insurance provider will cover your visit. However, coverage can vary based on the service provided. It’s advisable to contact your insurance provider beforehand to confirm which costs they will and won’t cover.

Is fluoride treatment necessary for adults?

Fluoride treatments benefit patients of all ages by strengthening enamel and preventing tooth decay. General dentists can assess the need for fluoride based on individual dental health.

Can general dentists provide guidance on maintaining oral health during pregnancy?

Yes, oral health during pregnancy can decline, so caring for your teeth during this period is crucial. A general dentist can offer guidance on good oral health and mouth care during pregnancy, addressing concerns like gum inflammation and providing safe preventive measures.

Call Southern Smiles for Tailored General Dentistry Services

At Southern Smiles, your family's radiant smiles are our priority. Whether it's a routine check-up, preventive treatment, or addressing a dental emergency, Southern Smiles is committed to providing personalized care tailored to your needs.

Take the proactive step towards lasting oral health by scheduling an appointment with our skilled Jacksonville dentists. Dial 904-389-3451 today and embark on the journey to a healthier, more confident smile. Southern Smiles is here to help patients from Jacksonville and surrounding areas such as Fernandina Beach, Macclenny, and Green Cove Springs, FL.