If you are looking for a general dentist in Grove, OK, our family-friendly dental practice welcomes you to visit Grand Lake Dental. Our office, which features luxurious amenities and state-of-the-art treatment options, is unlike any in the area. Beyond enjoying the benefits of restorative and cosmetic dentistry, our general dentist offers important preventative procedures like check-ups and exams that can prevent gum disease and tooth decay from afflicting your oral health.
If you are not familiar with the many benefits of general dentistry, we offer this overview.
What is general dentistry?
When we think of commonly performed dental procedures, many of those treatments fall under general dentistry. Most of us have experienced a dental cleaning and exam. This type of general dentistry allows your dentist to treat or prevent the early stages of gum disease through the gentle removal of plaque and tartar. Exams are another important procedure that falls under general dentistry. In short, a general dentist uses his or her skills to treat and prevent common dental problems.
General dentistry differs from cosmetic dentistry. If you elect to undergo cosmetic treatment, you are seeking to improve the appearance and not the function of your teeth. Teeth whitenings, dental bonding, gum contouring, and veneers are common cosmetic treatments that patients can undergo at our office.
What is a general dentist?
General dentists are college graduates who complete a qualified dental school before becoming certified in the state where they practice dentistry. General dentists are trained to perform a wide range of restorative and cosmetic dental procedures. Dr. Karl Jobst (DDS, FAGD, FICOI) is a 1998 graduate from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. He maintains many prominent fellowships and awards that include Best Dentist by area newspaper readers’ choice in 2018.
Why is general dentistry important?
The goal of our family-friendly dental practice is to preserve the health of your smile and to ensure that you and your family members enjoy optimal oral health. A healthy smile can prevent discomfort and the need to undergo costly restorative treatments down the road. General dentistry allows our dental team to either prevent or treat the early stages of tooth decay and gum disease.
There is a growing consensus among medical professionals that the health of your teeth and gums has significant implications for your overall health. This is known as oral-systemic health, and the American Dental Association has noted that gum disease has links to heart disease and diabetes.
A 2000 Surgeon General report noted an association between “periodontal diseases and cardiovascular health, stroke, diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.” If you have risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as a family history of heart attacks and strokes, Dr. Jobst can describe the proven health benefits that general dentistry can offer.
General dentistry allows our office to save you time and money. If you have not scheduled your routine cleaning and exam, please contact our office at (918) 787-5800.
Treatment Options Under General Dentistry
We ask that all of our patients visit Grand Lake Dental twice a year for professional cleanings and exams. Patients who have risk factors for gum disease may be asked by our general dentist to visit more frequently until their gum disease symptoms have completely subsided. During these convenient visits, you can enjoy our spacious and modern waiting area, which includes a large-screen television and other amenities.
Your dental cleaning will be performed by a qualified hygienist. Cleanings are non-invasive and non-surgical, meaning you can simply lay back and relax without the need for local anesthesia. During your cleaning, a member of our team will use a special metal tool to gently remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. If you have mild symptoms associated with gingivitis (swollen and bleeding gums), this procedure can reverse many of those symptoms, especially when steps are taken to improve oral hygiene habits at home.
During your visit, your general dentist may recommend preventative treatments that can save you time and money. Sealants are thin plastic coatings that prevent tartar from building up over your molars. This simple treatment effectively places a physical barrier between harmful bacteria and your teeth. Topical applications of fluoride can also prevent tooth decay. A member of our team will be glad to explain the many benefits of preventative treatments.
Your appointment for a cleaning may include an exam. The exam allows Dr. Jobst to evaluate the health of your teeth and supporting structures. Our office offers advanced digital x-rays and other forms of imaging that can allow Dr. Jobst to diagnose dental problems that you may not have been aware of. If a dental problem is discovered, it can be treated at that time or a subsequent appointment. General dentistry allows Dr. Jobst to use fillings to treat your tooth following the removal of decay. Our office offers tooth-colored composite fillings that blend in naturally with your other teeth.
Periodontal Treatments and Endodontics
Many of our patients suffer from some degree of gum disease. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control reports that around half of Americans suffer from some level of gum disease. General dentistry offers several treatments that can address periodontitis. First, a member of our team will diagnose your symptoms. Gum disease often leads to:
Bleeding gums
Receding gumlines
Tender and swollen gums
Persistent bad breath
Loose teeth
Once diagnosed, your treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms. Mild gingivitis is often treated with dental cleanings while early stages of periodontitis may require deep cleanings. The procedure smooths the surface of tooth roots so that connective soft tissues can reattach. Advanced cases of gum disease may require oral surgery to prevent the need for tooth extraction.
In cases of dental emergencies, general dentistry offers surgical options that can restore oral health. There are many reasons that your general dentist may need to perform a safe and comfortable tooth extraction. If you suffer from an advanced root canal infection, root canal therapy can restore your oral health and provide relief from pain.
Grand Lake Dental: More than General Dentistry
The dental team of Grand Lake Dental offers general dentistry treatments in a modern, luxurious environment. We continually invest in advanced dental technology as a means of providing the most effective and comfortable dental care that modern dentistry offers. We are always mindful of your comfort. Our office offers sedation options that allow you to relax in a “twilight sleep” while Dr. Jobst performs lengthy procedures.
While many dental practices offer general dentistry, Grand Lake Dental provides a wide range of treatment options beyond general dentistry. Whether you are seeking a drastic revamping of your smile through cosmetic dentistry or the life-changing benefits of dental implants, our team is trained and experienced in providing a wide range of treatment options that employ the latest dental technology available.
Schedule Your General Dentistry Treatment Today
General dentistry allows Dr. Jobst and our dental team to treat and restore your smile. Enjoying optimal oral health is key to enjoying a high quality of life and overall health To learn more about what general dentistry can do for you, contact our friendly dental team online or call (918) 787-5800.