General Dentistry

scroll to see more

General Dentistry

Restorative Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry

BOTOX

Emergency Dental Care

sleep apnea and snoring

dental technology

About Periodontal Disease

oral health and wellness

What Is General Dentistry?

General dentistry offers the foundation of your oral healthcare. From comprehensive oral exams and routine dental cleanings to an array of general dental procedures, Dr. Lane is able to diagnose, treat, and handle all your dental needs. Complex dental procedures can be discovered with general dentistry and treated accordingly.

Benefits of General Dentistry

General dentistry helps to maintain oral health. And sometimes that involves patient education. By taking the time to discuss proper methods of caring for teeth with patients, we are able to help prevent major dental issues and keep teeth and gums healthy for years to come. 

A few other benefits of general dentistry include: 

  • Examine all areas of your mouth to look for signs of bacteria. Areas of concern can be addressed before they have a chance to get worse. 
  • Routine cleanings reduce staining and chance of infections. 
  • Monitor for cavities, signs of gingivitis and even signs of cancer. 
  • Restore teeth that have cavities, have been broken or cracked, and those that have been worn down due to grinding. 

 

Perhaps the biggest benefit of general dentistry is being healthy. Regular visits to your dentist can reduce your chance of things like stroke and heart disease. After all, good oral health means good overall health.

Why Choose Lane Family Dental?

When you feel welcomed and comfortable at the dentist, there is a greater chance that you will keep your routine appointments and have better oral health. That’s exactly how our patients feel with our easy-going, relaxed atmosphere. At Lane Family Dentistry we strive to provide the best environment for our patients to experience high-quality dental care. 

If you are looking for a foundation for lifelong oral health, you will find it here.

 

Procedures Offered

At Lane Family Dentistry we offer the following general dentistry procedures: 

  • Comprehensive oral examination – A comprehensive oral examination at Lane Family Dentistry is a thorough visual inspection of your mouth, head, and neck to detect any abnormalities early. Using low-radiation digital imaging, Dr. Lane can perform a more complete evaluation, helping identify cavities, issues with existing dental restorations, gum and bone recession, and other concerns in the mouth, head, and neck area.
  • Routine cleanings -Routine dental cleanings at Lane Family Dentistry, also known as oral prophylaxis, remove plaque and tartar buildup to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Using specialized instruments, we gently clean the teeth without causing damage. First, an ultrasonic device that emits gentle vibrations and is cooled by water loosens larger pieces of tartar. Next, hand tools are used to carefully remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. Once every surface is free of tartar and plaque, the teeth are polished for a smooth, clean finish.
  • Fillings – Composite fillings at Lane Family Dentistry use durable, tooth-colored material to restore teeth affected by cavities while maintaining a natural appearance. After the decay is removed, the tooth is filled with composite material, which is then cured with a specialized light to harden it into place. Composite fillings are typically completed in a single visit, making them a convenient and aesthetic solution for cavity treatment.
  • Crowns – A dental crown is a restoration that completely covers a tooth that has been cracked, broken, worn down, or severely decayed. At Lane Family Dentistry, crowns are typically completed in two visits. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared and an impression is taken, then a temporary crown is placed while your permanent crown is fabricated. At the second visit, the permanent crown is carefully fitted and cemented into place, restoring both the appearance and function of your natural tooth.
  • Root canal treatment – Root canal treatment is often necessary when decay has reached the nerve of the tooth or an infection has developed inside the tooth. At Lane Family Dentistry, we perform root canal therapy by removing the infected or inflamed pulp from the tooth chamber, then carefully cleaning and disinfecting the inside before filling and sealing it to prevent future infection. Soon after the procedure, the tooth is restored with a dental crown or filling to protect it and return it to full function.
  • Extractions –  When a tooth cannot be saved through restorative procedures, a tooth extraction may be necessary. At Lane Family Dentistry, the area is first numbed with local anesthesia for your comfort. The tooth is then gently loosened from the jawbone, ligaments, and surrounding tissues with a careful rocking motion before being removed. In some cases, stitches may be placed after the extraction to support proper healing.
  • Scaling and root planing –  Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical gum disease treatment designed to stop the progression of periodontal disease. During the scaling process at Lane Family Dentistry, specialized instruments are used to remove plaque and tartar from beneath the gumline. Root planing then smooths the tooth roots, encouraging the gums to heal and reattach to a cleaner, healthier root surface. This deep cleaning procedure is often the first step in restoring gum health.
  • Custom mouth guards – Many sports require athletes to wear a mouth guard to protect their teeth during practice and play. Custom mouth guards from Lane Family Dentistry cover the teeth and gums to safeguard the lips, gums, arches, and jaw, making them especially important for contact sports. A properly fitted custom mouth guard reduces the severity of dental injuries and offers far better protection than over-the-counter options.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions but prefer not to call? Browse our FAQs for quick answers and a better understanding of our dental office and services.

General dentistry includes a lot of different procedures, but the three most common are fillings, dental crowns, and tooth extractions.

When the bad bacteria in your mouth outweigh the good, they can attach themselves to your teeth and begin to grow. As the saliva mixes with the bacteria, a sticky substance known as plaque will form. And, if not removed, this is what causes cavities.

Ideally, you should have your teeth cleaned every six months, including a comprehensive examination. However, you should – at the very least – visit the dentist for this routine procedure annually.