GENERAL DENTISTRY
IN PHILADELPHIA, PA

General dentistry includes all the primary dental care a patient might need throughout their lifetime. Most patients only need to visit the dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam, but that doesn’t exclude patients who need additional care or specific procedures like cosmetic dentistry. Our dentist at Rittenhouse Dental Group, will begin your checkup with a cleaning to remove any plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth and perform a comprehensive oral examination to check for any potential problems.

During the appointment, your dentist might recommend additional services like a mouth guard to protect your teeth during nighttime grinding or fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. You can also ask your dentist about preventive services like oral cancer screenings and professional cleanings to help keep your mouth healthy throughout the year.

Bruxism Treatment

Bruxism is typically caused by the unconscious habit during sleep, though it can also occur during the day. It’s an involuntary action caused by stress or a misaligned bite that causes a person to unconsciously clench their teeth together, causing damage to the teeth and jaw. Over time, this can lead to significant pain and chipping or fracturing of the teeth. It can also lead to headaches and other chronic issues like temporomandibular joint disorder.

Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help those who suffer from this condition. We will likely recommend using a custom mouth guard for patients who suffer from bruxism to protect their teeth from damage while sleeping at night. The custom guard is made from an impression of your teeth to ensure a perfect fit. In addition to protecting the teeth, the guard will help train the jaw to relax at night rather than clenching and causing additional wear to the teeth.

Emergency Care

An emergency dental care dentist provides immediate assistance to patients in need. While a patient’s regular dentist may be unavailable for days or weeks, some dentists can provide treatment on a walk-in basis or within a short period. If you experience intense tooth pain or any other urgent issue, you should visit an emergency dental care dentist as soon as possible.

The benefits of visiting an emergency dental care dentist instead of waiting until another day at your regular dental office include the following:

• Lessening the level of pain and discomfort, you are experiencing;
• Minimizing the possibility of infection or other complications from untreated oral issues;
• Promptly restoring the function of your teeth with a custom-fitted mouth guard; and more.

Sports Mouthguards

A sports mouth guard is a specially designed plastic mouthpiece that covers your teeth to protect your mouth from potential injury and damage while playing sports. They are typically worn over the upper teeth, so the upper and lower teeth do not collide during impact. Since they are custom-fitted and provide a better fit than over-the-counter mouthguards, they are also easier to breathe and talk through than other mouthguards. Plus, they can be easily cleaned by soaking them in mouthwash or denture cleaner and then brushing them thoroughly to eliminate germs and debris.

General dentistry includes all the primary dental care a patient might need throughout their lifetime. For the best dental care, visit Rittenhouse Dental Group at 255 S. 17TH ST., STE. 2807, Philadelphia 19103, or call 215-546-2311.