General Dentistry

Kaufman Family Dentistry offers general dentistry to patients 13 years and older. Our patient-centered, family-friendly practice is dedicated to helping members of our community enjoy the benefits of optimal oral health. From thorough checkups and cleanings to oral cancer screenings, oral appliances like mouthguards, and emergency dental care, Kaufman Family Dentistry can meet the diverse needs of our community.

 

Checkups and Cleanings

Receiving regular dental care is an investment in your health and wellbeing. Moreover, having checkups and cleanings on a routine basis aids in saving you money and time in the dental chair. This is because routine visits increase the odds of early detection. Checkups provide a thorough evaluation of the health of the entire oral cavity. Patients are screened for issues like periodontal (gum) disease and dental caries. We take diagnostic images to look at the health of tissue we cannot see such as the jawbones and root placement of teeth.

As with checkups, cleanings are an integral part of maintaining and/or achieving optimal oral health. A dental cleaning provides a very thorough removal of surface debris like tartar along the gums and teeth before teeth are polished to a beautiful shine. Having regular dental cleanings can prevent gum disease and keep tooth structure strong.

 

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer can be fatal – especially when detected in its advanced stages. Since oral cancer can form anywhere in the oral cavity, our dentist provides oral cancer screenings to help aid in the early detection of potential problems. Patients with heightened risks for oral cancer such as drinking and smoking should perform monthly self-examinations and visit our practice regularly for oral cancer screenings.

 

Mouthguards & Sports Guards

Custom oral appliances such as mouthguards and sports guards can diminish the negative effects of sports-related injuries. Moreover, if an injury occurs, these appliances can keep teeth and gums intact – even when enduring blunt force trauma. Our oral appliances are custom made from lightweight yet durable materials for comfortable protection.

 

TMD Therapy

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a condition that causes debilitating symptoms among its sufferers. TMD can involve a damaged or strained temporomandibular joint along with the muscles and ligaments that support the joint. Kaufman Family Dentistry provides treatment for TMD including oral appliances, restorations to rebuild the bite and recommendations for temporary adjustments to one’s diet to relieve the joint and its muscles.

 

 

 

 

Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are traumatic and painful. We know that when our patients need expedient care, they are under duress and often very uncomfortable due to their injuries. In the event of a dental emergency such as broken or knocked out teeth, toothaches, and broken/failing restorations, be sure to call our practice as soon as you can so that we can make room in our schedule for your needs.

 

Call Kaufman Family Dentistry to schedule a checkup or consultation.

Common General Dentistry Questions

Why should I go to the dentist regularly?

Visiting the dentist regularly is the only way to know the state of your oral health. Sure, there are visible symptoms of conditions in their advanced stages, but what some people don’t realize is many conditions are asymptomatic in their early stages. Moreover, oral health conditions can be very destructive. Conditions like gum disease can literally destroy your gums and bone, leading to tooth loss while oral cancer can take a person’s life if it is not detected and treated in a timely manner.

Keeping appointments for routine checkups will help our team prevent potential problems and treat issues conservatively through early detection. When people visit their dentist as recommended (twice a year), the odds of enjoying the benefits of early detection are much greater. The sooner issues are isolated and reviewed, the quicker professional treatment can begin. Timely treatment is normally far less expensive and time-consuming than treating more advanced and complex issues.

How often should I brush and floss?

Brushing and flossing is the foundation of a personal oral hygiene routine. While receiving professional cleanings helps keep our teeth and gums healthy, we still must put in the time and effort to clean our teeth daily. This is because our teeth are under attack throughout the day. People should brush two to three times a day and teeth should be flossed once a day.

Brushing and flossing help remove bacteria, debris, and plaque when performed properly. Removing plaque prevents the development of tartar – the leading contributor to gum disease.

What if I have a dental emergency?

If you have a dental emergency, you should call Kaufman Family Dentistry as soon as you can. When dental emergencies arise, it is important to seek treatment quickly. Calling our practice promptly after enduring a dental emergency ensures our team time to arrange for your visit. We offer same-day and next-day appointments for pressing oral health matters.

Many dental emergencies are caused by accidental falls, sports injuries, and car wrecks. Other dental emergencies might arise as a result of badly diseased teeth. When the root canal becomes infected inside a damaged tooth, most people experience considerable discomfort. This is because the root canal contains nerve endings. Our practice is equipped to treat issues like broken and knocked out teeth, infections like abscesses, loose and failing restorations, and broken prosthetics.

How often should I have a cleaning?

People should have two dental cleanings a year, spaced six months apart. Cleanings are important for keeping teeth and gums free of substances like tartar. While taking care of our teeth at home with brushing and flossing is crucial, cleanings are still necessary because flossing and brushing alone cannot address all surface debris accumulation.