Dental Cleanings and Exams

Regular dental cleanings and exams serve as the foundation for any modern dental plan. During your exam, your Pearland dentist will use tried and true techniques and tools to determine the state of your smile. These tools include digital X-rays, imaging, handheld mirrors, etc. Your exam will allow your general dentist to understand what’s going on and note any possible issues so they can be addressed as soon as possible. 

After your dental exam, our hygienist will begin your professional dental cleaning. Our hygienist will use specially designed instruments to remove buildup. Professional cleanings are more intricate procedures that remove bacteria-laden plaque and tartar from places a toothbrush and floss normally couldn’t reach. The professional cleaning process often helps prevent oral diseases like tooth infection and periodontal disease. 

Once they remove the buildup, your hygienist will polish and floss your teeth. They’ll rinse your mouth out afterward with a simple fluoride rinse, which will help protect your smile from decay. We recommend you see us at least once every six months, so we can more accurately track your oral health and better care for your smile.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer screenings are a standard part of every dental exam. Oral and oropharyngeal cancers have a much higher rate of survivability the sooner they’re treated. With a thorough understanding of your mouth, your general dentist will be on the lookout and test any potentially abnormal tissues. Common tools for oral cancer screenings include:

• Biopsies – Small pieces of oral tissue are tested by a specialist out of the office.
• Light & Dye – Specially designed lights will illuminate abnormal cells after the mouth has been painted with a certain dye.
• Visual and Tactile Exams – Your dentist will thoroughly check for any tissues in your mouth or throat that look or feel abnormal. 

Fillings and Sealants

Fillings and sealants help protect your smile from damage, staining, decay, and other common problems. Pearland Dental Group’s dental fillings are composite, which means they blend in with your smile. Unlike traditional metal fillings, composite dental fillings won’t react to hot and cold temperatures, shock your mouth, or stain your teeth over time. 

Sealants are simple plastic-like barriers that our Pearland general dentists can paint onto your back teeth, where cavities are most likely to occur. These clear or tooth-colored barriers protect your smile from decay and staining by keeping buildup away. Sealants can also make these teeth easier to clean.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy allows our dentists to repair and protect teeth that are heavily damaged or infected. During root canal treatment, your Pearland general dentist will remove any infected dental pulp from the inside of the tooth. Once the tooth is completely clean and sterile, they’ll fill the tooth with a medicated material and cover the tooth with a dental crown to protect it. That way, the natural tooth remains in place and halts any infection or further damage.  

Tooth Extractions

Tooth extraction, while not often looked upon fondly, can help patients with teeth that can’t be saved find relief. Our Pearland general dentists can quickly and painlessly remove problem teeth such as wisdom teeth, teeth that are heavily infected, and other problematic teeth. Once they remove these teeth, you’ll likely experience less pain and discomfort. Removing those teeth will also protect your remaining teeth and overall oral health.  

Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment

Snoring and sleep apnea are common chronic issues that your general dentist can help you address. Due to their familiarity with your oral health, they’ll be able to discern possible signs of snoring and sleep apnea and ask you any questions about your sleep patterns and how you feel during the day. 

If it’s discovered that you deal with symptoms of snoring or sleep apnea, your general dentist can prescribe treatments such as custom-made oral appliances to open your airways and help you sleep more soundly at night. They can also suggest lifestyle changes that may be helpful, as well as any surgeries they deem beneficial. 

TMJ Therapy

The temporomandibular joints connect your jaw to your skull and allow you to eat, speak and smile. When you’re experiencing TMD (temporomandibular joint disorders) your dentist can prescribe TMJ therapy using methods such as oral appliances and give you advice on how to manage your symptoms. They’ll discern the heart of the matter, whether it’s bruxism, stress, jaw injury, or any other issues. That way, your relief is fast and long-lasting.