Three Rivers Dental provides general dentistry in Longview, WA. Call 360-803-8003 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
What Is General and Family Dentistry?
General dentistry is the term for comprehensive dental services that meet the basic needs of most patients. Family dentistry means that we see patients of all ages, meaning the whole family can receive dental care at one convenient location. General dentistry for families includes preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services.
Benefits of General and Family Dentistry
General and family dentistry offers many benefits, such as:
- Improved dental health. The ultimate goal of general dentistry is to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Regular dental care can help your natural teeth last for your lifetime.
- Healthy-looking smile. Healthy teeth give you a healthy-looking smile, and general dentistry can help keep your smile looking as good as it feels.
- Convenience. A family dental practice offers the convenience of a single location for routine dental appointments. Schedule appointments together and bring the whole family at once.
- Affordable. General dentistry services are typically covered by dental insurance but are affordable even without insurance.
Procedures Offered
We provide the following general and family dental services and procedures:
- Adult Cleanings. People of all ages should have their teeth cleaned and examined at least every 6 months. Dental cleanings remove plaque to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Oral exams detect any oral or dental health concerns that need to be addressed.
- Pediatric Dentistry. Pediatric dentistry specializes in providing dental care for children and focuses on creating a positive experience for children in a dental setting.
- Deep Cleanings. In some cases, a deep cleaning of your teeth may be required. Scaling and root planing are procedures that remove hardened plaque from the roots of the teeth below the gum line to treat gum disease and keep it from recurring.
- Periodontal Maintenance. For the treatment and prevention of gum disease, periodontal maintenance involves frequent deep cleanings of the teeth on a personalized schedule.
- Sedation Dentistry. We provide sedation options when appropriate for patients with anxiety or for complex or invasive procedures. We provide nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and conscious oral sedation.
- Dental Fillings. When a cavity develops in a tooth, we provide composite (white) dental fillings that blend in with the natural color of your tooth.
- Dental Extractions. Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary for a variety of reasons, ranging from severe decay to orthodontic purposes.
- Custom Mouthguards. We provide custom mouthguards for sports, for the prevention of teeth grinding, and for other TMJ disorder issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About General and Family Dentistry
How often should my family have dental cleanings?
The recommended schedule for dental cleanings for the average patient is every 6 months. This applies to both adults and children in most cases, meaning the whole family can come together for dental appointments twice a year.
Are cleanings covered by dental insurance?
Most dental insurance plans cover preventive care, including routine dental cleanings and exams twice a year. Contact your insurance provider or refer to your benefits guide for specific information about your plan and coverage.
At what age should a child start going to the dentist?
Children should have their first dental appointment around age one or within 6 months of the eruption of their first tooth. This allows children to get used to going to the dentist from a young age, reducing the chances of dental anxiety. It also allows for early detection of any dental or oral health problems that may be present.
How often should I brush and floss my teeth?
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day is typically an effective schedule for most patients. However, if you are prone to gum disease or tooth decay, it may be better to brush your teeth more frequently, such as after eating.
Should I use an electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush?
Both types of toothbrushes can be effective, but it depends on your individual needs. It also depends on the brand, as not all work the same way. We would be happy to discuss toothbrush options with you at your next appointment.
Contact Us
Call 360-803-8003 to schedule an appointment.