General Dentistry in Sun City Center

Jacobs and Thatcher Dentistry provides general dentistry in Sun City Center, FL. Call 813-634-1932 to learn more or request an appointment today.

General dentistry is akin to primary care for your mouth. Your general dentist is responsible for the early detection and diagnosis of oral problems. When problems are detected, your general dentist will be responsible for designing a treatment plan to restore damaged teeth to good health. Your general dentist is also the provider who will help you maintain excellent oral health through preventative care.  General dentistry services include regular cleanings, oral health screenings, and early identification of decay, infection, wear and tear, and fractures in the teeth. 

Regular dental care is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth. Regular dental exams ensure that small problems, including early-stage gum disease, chipped teeth, worn teeth, and decayed teeth can be restored to good health. Beyond that, regular dental care, coupled with good oral hygiene habits help you maintain healthy, strong, attractive teeth that function properly. 

In addition to improving your oral health, regular dental treatment can safeguard your overall health and wellness. Oral health is intrinsically linked to good overall health. Poor oral hygiene has been linked with increased risk for a variety of chronic and potentially severe conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, pneumonia, and pregnancy and birth complications. 

An oral examination is a visual inspection of the mouth, head, and neck, performed to detect abnormalities.  Radiographs allow for a more complete examination, helping the doctor to detect cavities, problems in existing dental restorations, gum and bone recession or other abnormal conditions within the mouth, head and neck area.

Learn more about Dental Exams

A dental cleaning, also known as an oral prophylaxis, is the removal of dental plaque and tartar (calculus) from the teeth. Specialized instruments are used to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth. First, an ultrasonic device that emits vibrations and is cooled by water is used to loosen larger pieces of tartar. Next, hand tools are used to manually remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. Once all the tooth surfaces have been cleaned of tartar and plaque, the teeth are polished.

Many sports require athletes to use a mouth guard to protect their teeth while practicing and playing. Frequently used in contact sports, the mouth guard covers the gums and teeth to provide protection for lips, gums, teeth, and arches. A properly fitted mouth guard can reduce the severity of dental injuries.

Learn more about Custom Mouth Guards

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease. During the scaling process, specialized dental instruments are used to remove dental plaque and calculus from beneath the gums. Planing is the procedure used to smooth the tooth roots after the scaling process. Root planing helps the gums heal and reattach themselves to a cleaner and smoother root surface.

Root canals are most often necessary when decay has reached the nerve of the tooth or the tooth has become infected.  When root canal therapy is performed, infected or inflamed pulp is removed from the tooth chamber. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned and disinfected before being filled and sealed to limit the possibility of future infection.  Soon after the root canal is performed, the tooth is restored with a dental crown or filling to protect the tooth and restore normal tooth function.

A tooth that can not be saved with restorative procedures may need to be removed. Before removal of the tooth, the area will be numbed with anesthesia. The tooth is loosened from the jawbone and surrounding ligaments and tissues with a gentle rocking motion. Once it is loose, it is gently removed. Stitches may be necessary after the removal of a tooth.

Learn more about Extractions

Call 813-634-1932 to schedule an appointment.