When you see or hear the terms “general dentistry” and “general dentist,” you may find yourself wondering, “How does a general dentist differ from other oral-health professionals?” or “Do I need to see a general dentist regularly?” The answers to these questions are key in helping you make the best decisions about your oral health care. As your Northwest Arkansas general dentistry practice, the staff at Bright Ridge Dental, Drs. K.C. and Kaitlin Dietz want to make sure you know everything about general dentistry that you need to in order to enjoy a lifetime of optimal oral health. 

What Is General Dentistry?

Similar to a primary healthcare provider, a general dentist is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They care for your overall oral health and are responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of the services required to meet your dental needs.

At Bright Ridge Dental, we work hard to form long-term, trust-based relationships with you by getting to know your lifestyle as well as your oral-health history and goals. We then implement and oversee a personalized dental treatment plan that helps you meet those goals. Most dental treatment plans employ a variety of our general dentistry services as needed.

What Services Fall Under the General Dentistry Category?

Regular visits with general dentists Dr. K.C. and Dr. Kait will help you maintain good oral hygiene and aid in the prevention and early detection of serious oral health issues, like gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. Our dental services include a wide range of preventive and restorative options that can be performed in the dentist’s office and are designed for patients of all ages. Services include:

  • Digital x-rays
  • Dental fillings
  • Inlays and onlays
  • Oral cancer screenings
  • Root canal therapy
  • Sealants
  • Tooth extractions
  • Wisdom teeth removal

FAQ 

Q: “What are some common dental issues a general dentist addresses?”

A: We address everything from cavities to periodontal disease to root canals to missing teeth. We can also address cosmetic concerns, with services such as teeth whitening and veneers.

Q: “Why do I need a general dentist?”

A: Seeing a general dentist regularly will help you maintain good oral health, as well as detect any potential problems before they become serious.

Q: “How often should I see a general dentist?”

A: Scheduling a checkup and cleaning at least twice a year is recommended. Dr. K.C. and Dr. Kait will let you know if you need additional appointments or treatments.

Q: “What causes tooth cavities?”

A: Cavities are caused by tooth decay that goes unnoticed. Scheduling regular checkups will ensure that tooth decay is caught in its earliest stages and addressed or avoided altogether.

If you are looking for a Bentonville, AR general dentist, call Bright Ridge Dental at (479) 715-4277 today! We look forward to serving you and your family!

Fillings

Approximately 92% of adults have experienced a cavity. Cavities occur as a result of tooth decay, and if left untreated, they can severely damage teeth and lead to a decline in oral health. Though cavities are common, at Bright Ridge Dental, Bentonville dentists Drs. K.C. and Kaitlin Dietz can easily fix them using a routine, restorative dental treatment called a dental restoration, also known as a tooth filling. 

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What Is a Dental Filling?

A dental filling can be made out of a variety of materials and is used to fill and seal the hole caused by a cavity, preventing decay from spreading to the rest of the tooth. Dr. K.C. and Dr. Kait quickly, easily, and comfortably removes decay from a tooth before it progresses. The type of tooth filling that is used is largely based on your needs and preferences. 

Types of Fillings

You are probably most familiar with white and silver/amalgam fillings, but these are only two of several options you will have if you find yourself with a cavity. Though amalgam fillings are good options, they also stand out against the pearly whites they are preserving and protecting. Fortunately, there are less obvious alternatives available. Filling options include:

  • Amalgam fillings: Amalgam tooth fillings are affordable and durable, able to last 10 to 15 years or longer. Because they are made of silver, they do not match the surrounding tooth and may stand out.
  • Gold fillings: Gold tooth fillings are very durable and last at least 10 to 15 years. Though they don’t match the surrounding tooth, some prefer the coloring and shine to that of amalgam fillings. Gold fillings tend to cost more than other materials and are very difficult to place.
  • Composite resin fillings: Composite tooth fillings are made from a mixture of plastic and fine-glass particles. They last at least five years and match the color of your teeth. They generally cost less than gold fillings but more than amalgam fillings.
  • Porcelain fillings: Porcelain tooth fillings last approximately five to seven years, with a wide range of pricing. They match the color of your teeth and are more resistant to staining than composite fillings. They usually take two or more appointments to place.

 FAQ 

Q: “Do fillings ever need to be replaced? ”

A: Though they are very durable, most fillings will need to be replaced eventually. How long they last depends heavily on the type of filling you get and how well you take care of it.

Q: “Does it hurt to get a filling? ”

A: Dr. K.C. and Dr. Kait can perform both the removal of the decay and the filling placement in such a way that you will remain comfortable and free of pain.

Q: “How long will it take for me to be able to eat, speak, brush, and floss as usual after receiving a filling? ”

A: Shortly after receiving a filling, you should be able to do all of the things you normally would do.

As your Bentonville dentist, the staff at Bright Ridge Dental is happy to answer any of your questions about fillings. Call (479) 715-4277 to learn more or to set up an appointment.

Tooth Whitening 

As you age, your teeth are exposed to foods and drinks that stain them. Though your teeth may be perfectly healthy, they can appear darker and make you look older. Fortunately, if you have deep stains or want to achieve a brighter smile quickly, Bright Ridge Dental in Bentonville, AR has teeth-whitening options that can help you acquire a beautiful, youthful-looking, bright smile. 

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Tooth Staining

Tooth stains fall into two categories: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are the yellow and brown stains that occur on the surface of your teeth. Intrinsic stains occur inside your teeth, making them appear gray or blue. Some surface stains can be removed with whitening toothpastes and over-the-counter teeth-whitening kits. However, these approaches are limited and can be painful or can cause tooth and gum sensitivities. Professional-grade products are needed to remove deeper extrinsic and intrinsic stains and to treat individuals with sensitive teeth and gums. 

Professional Teeth-Whitening Options

There are several approaches to teeth bleaching that Bentonville dentists Drs. K.C. and Kaitlin Dietz can use to help you whiten your smile by eight to 14 shades in a short amount of time.

  • At-home teeth bleaching: Dr. K.C. and Dr. Kait will provide you with a teeth-bleaching gel and a mouthguard to put it in that has been customized to your bite. They will then assign a teeth-bleaching regimen for you to follow. The process takes place within the comfort and convenience of your own home. It typically takes 10 to 14 days to achieve the desired results with this method.

 FAQ

Q: “How much does teeth whitening cost?”

A: The cost of teeth whitening varies according to the type of treatment you are receiving and how deep your stains are. At Bright Ridge dental, we will work with you to find an affordable whitening treatment that is right for you.

Q: “Are teeth-whitening results permanent?”

A: The longevity of your teeth-whitening results depends greatly on how you care for your teeth after the treatment, as well as on how often you indulge in food and drink that causes stains. Results can last anywhere from several months to three years.

Q: “Are there any risks or side effects associated with teeth whitening?”

A: Gums and teeth may become sensitive during your treatments.

Call (479) 715-4277 today to schedule a teeth-whitening consultation with our Bentonville dental office.

Dentistry for Kids 

According to the American Dental Association, a child’s first dental exam with a dentist should happen soon after the first baby tooth comes in, or by the time the child turns 1 year old. Even though baby’s first teeth are temporary, getting an early start on excellent dental hygiene practices and cavity prevention will help your child enjoy good oral health for life.

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What Is a Children’s Dentist?

A children’s dentist specializes in dentistry that focuses on providing gentle and compassionate dental care to children from infancy through adolescence. At Bright Ridge Dental, Bentonville children’s dentists Drs. K.C. and Kaitlin Dietz understand the unique needs of young, susceptible primary (baby) teeth and how best to preserve your child’s oral health as they grow and develop.
Child development and psychology are key components of children’s dentistry. Dr. K.C. and Dr. Kait create an environment that is warm, fun, and inviting for little ones, and they know how to provide treatments in a way that helps children avoid developing dental phobias, so they can look forward to their regular visits to our office.

Pediatric Dentistry Treatments

 

At Bright Ridge Dental, fostering trust with children at an early age, while helping them develop excellent at-home oral hygiene habits, is our primary goal. Our children’s dentistry practice encompasses a broad base of services and treatments that allows Dr. K.C. and Dr. Kait to help care for and maintain your child’s oral health as they grow and develop. These include: 

  • Infant oral health exams
  • Digital x-rays and cleanings
  • Sealants
  • Fluoride treatments
  • Diagnosis and safe treatment of dental disorders
  • At-home dental care education
  • Caries prevention education
  • Orthodontic evaluation
  • Care for dental injuries
Starting regular checkups early in your child’s life allows us to catch decay and signs of gum disease before they become serious, so we can correct
any underlying hygiene issues and prevent problems. As your child grows, we can provide treatments such as sealants to protect new, vulnerable permanent teeth from decay, as well as mouth guards to protect the teeth of your budding sports enthusiast. We can also identify and address potential orthodontic problems before they evolve into bigger money- and time-consuming issues.

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FAQ

Q: “Does my child need to see a children’s dentist regularly?”

A: Yes. You see your dentist regularly, and so should your child. Regular visits to a children’s dentist can help your little ones avoid the pain and discomfort caused by cavities and decay, and can help them establish good oral hygiene habits that will help maintain excellent lifelong oral health.

Q: “How often should my child visit the children’s dentist?”

A: According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your child should see a children’s dentist at least twice a year, starting six months after the first tooth emerges.

Q: “When will my baby start getting teeth?”

A: Teeth begin to emerge between the ages of 6 months and 10 months. The two front-lower incisors usually break through first.

To ensure that your child is well on the way to enjoying a lifetime of excellent oral health, call (479) 715-4277 to schedule your child’s next exam with Dr. K.C. and Dr. Kait, your Bentonville children’s dentist.