General Dentistry

Plaque can accumulate on your teeth even when you brush and floss your teeth regularly. It can also harden and become tartar, which causes cavities and gum decay. Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar, for healthier teeth and gums. At your annual check-up, we take a look at your teeth and gums – not just to detect cavities, but to look for indicators of illness or nutritional deficiencies. We also ask about your health history, so we can have a comprehensive understanding of your health and any risk factors you may have for certain illnesses. We take X-rays of your teeth at your annual exam, so we can look for any changes or abnormalities in your teeth or jaw. X-rays are also helpful for discovering the cause of toothaches, jaw pain, or heat and cold sensitivity.

Gingivitis – inflammation of the gums – is common, and it is often a precursor to gum disease (periodontitis). With periodontal therapy, gum tissue may be restored to a healthy condition, but if gingivitis becomes periodontitis, the damage to gum tissue cannot be reversed. If you have inflamed gums or symptoms of gum disease, such as receding and bleeding gum tissue, we may recommend root planing or scaling, a procedure in which we use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from beneath the gum line.

We know that anxiety is what keeps some people from getting dental care. At MW Dentistry & Esthetics, we aim to create a relaxing environment for our patients, but we understand that some patients need additional support. We can administer a mild sedative that helps ease anxiety, so patients can get the dental care they need.