General Dentistry
General Dentistry Services
- Over 15 Years of Experience- Up-To-Date Equipment- Specialized Cosmetic Dentistry
Specialized General Dentistry
Coffee Dental Matthew Smith D.M.D. General & Cosmetic Dentistry is your source for expert, friendly general dentistry services in Douglas, GA and the surrounding areas. We strive to offer you the highest quality dental service possible at an affordable price. We work with most insurance companies as well.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please get in touch with us. Same-day appointments are available in the event of an emergency. Call
us today to learn more about our services.
Learn More About Our Routine Procedures
- Extractions: An extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket. It is performed when a tooth is broken or damaged by decay.
- Crowns: Crowns are restorations that cover a tooth that's likely to break, or is too broken to be restored with a filling. Crowns are completed over two appointments. First, the decay is removed and the tooth is shaped to accommodate a crown. The crown is then created to fit the tooth and cemented into place on your next visit.
- Fillings: Fillings are used to close off spaces where bacteria can attack your teeth and prevent any further decay. They are made of gold, porcelain, composite resin, and amalgams, depending on your unique needs.
- Root canals: Root canals are necessary when a cavity has reached the pulp of your tooth. Deep restorations or trauma to the tooth can cause the nerve to become damaged to the point where root canal therapy is required. Symptoms of this include sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweets, as well as pain, swelling, pain due to biting, and a bad taste in the mouth. In a root canal, the infected tooth pulp is removed, and the tooth's canals are disinfected. The canals are then filled to prevent any further infection.
- Dentures: Dentures are used to replace teeth that have become loose, or lost due to bone loss. Your entire mouth will be examined to determine which teeth need to be removed and which will remain. Loose teeth are extracted and dentures are fitted into place. There is an adjustment period to get used to the dentures, but once accustomed, all the normal functionality and appearance of normal teeth return, and you can carry on as usual. Implants are sometimes used to stabilize the dentures.
- Bridges: Bridges are an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. They are formed to look and function just like the missing tooth. Teeth on either side of the gap are used as support. There are different materials available to create the bridge, and one will be chosen depending on your preferences and location. Missing teeth should be replaced as soon as possible, as the surrounding teeth will begin to shift inward, creating an unwanted chain reaction. Since teeth use their neighbors for support, a missing tooth can leave its neighbors to fall and affect your bite, leading to further issues. Gum disease can also become a serious problem.
- TMJ treatments: The TMJ or temporomandibular joint is the area where your lower jaw and skull meet. Problems here arise from the misalignment of teeth, trauma, or excess muscle tension. Cartilage buffers the meeting bones and 5 muscles in the area, but if something disrupts this interaction, there can be problems. Issues in the TMJ area can include headaches, earaches, trouble or soreness opening and closing your mouth, clicking or popping of the jaw, pain in the jaw muscles, and general soreness in the area. TMJ dental treatments include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, adjusting the bite, and filling gaps between teeth. There is no single solution that works in every case. A mouthpiece might be used to prevent clenching or grinding which contributes to the problem. If left untreated for an extended period, surgery may be required.
- Preventative care: Preventative care refers to routine cleanings which will occur during every standard office visit.
- Scheduled cleanings: It's recommended that your teeth are professionally cleaned at least twice a year.
- Digital X-rays: Digital X-rays allow us to get a better look at how you bite and give excellent details of the overall positioning of your teeth.
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