315-422-0894
Best first visit! I have a great sense of confidence in the course of action we are about to embark on. It’s so hard to find great doctors when you have an Auto immune disease worse when you have to explain it, but to find one who knows about it and dealt with it, is fantastic. The whole staff just made me feel so comfortable today.
- Beth DeWitt
General Dentistry Services We Offer
Bruxism (Tooth grinding and clenching)
Bruxism is when you grind or clench your teeth. These are classified as parafunctional habits, meaning “outside of normal function.”
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Dental Exams And Cleanings
A comprehensive oral exam will be performed by Dr. Zimmerman or Dr. Mead at your first visit.
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Digital X-rays
Downtown Dental offers our patients state of the art digital X-rays. They take less time AND expose you to LESS radiation. The reduction in radiation can be anywhere from 50-90% less than traditional film x-rays.
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Fluoride Treatment and Sealants
Fluoride effectively works on the smooth surfaces of teeth, but what about all those grooves in your teeth? Since it is impossible for a toothbrush to reach the bottom of those grooves,
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Home Care
For most patients, the standard brush 2 times per day and floss daily is acceptable. Ideal homecare would be brush after every time you eat and floss at least once per day.
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VELscope® Oral Cancer Screening
Each year, over 30,000 Americans contract oral cancer, and only 57% of these people will live for more than five years without treatment.
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We Prioritize You
At Downtown Dental Syracuse, all of the services are provided by a traditional general dentist practice, plus so much more.
Our focus is on being extremely thorough, preventing disease before it starts, early intervention and many treatment options that will best suit the individual patient.
Early Intervention
Did you know that very small (incipient) cavities can many times be fixed without doing fillings? This process is called remineralization. Regular x-rays are critical, in that, the cavities must be caught early on for this to work. This is one way in which early intervention can greatly benefit a patient. Furthermore, if a filling does need to be done, the smaller the filling, the better for the long term outcome of that tooth!
Another example of early intervention is with regard to periodontal disease. That is why we developed a sophisticated periodontal treatment protocol. Once gum tissues progress from healthy, to gingivitis, to periodontal disease, the attachment and support of the teeth is compromised. We like to catch this early and treat it quickly, because bone loss from periodontal disease occurs, that bone is gone forever!
However, preventing disease before it starts is always the best option. This requires careful attention, excellent compliance with dental visits and care, and teamwork by both the patient and the dental providers.
Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. Did you know that sugar is not what causes cavities? The acid that is the by-product when bacteria eat sugar causes cavities. So if you are drinking diet soda, which is very acidic, but has no sugar, you are still exposing your teeth to an acidic environment!
A comprehensive preventative program, such as the one you will find at DDS, includes regular dental exams, cleanings, x-rays, as well as sealants and fluoride. Also, by preventing these disease processes, you can help avoid irreversible and sometimes costly dental procedures. By focusing on prevention, not only can you have a beautiful smile, but also a healthy one!
Frequently Asked Questions
1). What is general dentistry and why is it important?
General dentistry focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and managing your overall oral health. It plays an essential role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy while identifying concerns early—before they become more serious.
2). What services are included in general dentistry at your office?
Our general dentistry services are designed to protect and maintain your smile. These include dental exams, professional cleanings, digital X-rays, fluoride treatments, oral cancer screenings, and personalized guidance on proper brushing and flossing.
3). What types of problems does general dentistry help prevent?
Routine general dentistry care helps prevent common issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, plaque buildup, and other oral health concerns by keeping your smile clean, healthy, and regularly monitored.
4). How does general dentistry support long-term oral health?
General dentistry provides ongoing care and monitoring to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. With consistent visits, we can prevent disease, address concerns early, and help preserve your natural smile for years to come.
5). How often should I visit a general dentist?
For most patients, we recommend visiting every six months for routine check-ups and cleanings. However, your visit schedule may vary based on your individual oral health needs.
6). Can general dentistry help detect dental problems early?
Yes. One of the key benefits of general dentistry is early detection. Regular visits allow us to identify and treat issues before they develop into more complex or uncomfortable conditions.
7). What are the early signs of dental problems I should not ignore?
Early warning signs can include tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or mild tooth discomfort. Addressing these symptoms early can help prevent more serious problems down the road.
8). Is general dentistry only for basic care?
General dentistry is more than just routine care—it’s the foundation of your long-term oral health. It helps monitor changes, maintain your smile, and guide your care to reduce the need for more advanced treatments.
9). Why are regular dental X-rays necessary if I don’t feel any pain?
Not all dental problems cause immediate symptoms. X-rays allow us to detect issues beneath the surface, such as early decay or bone changes, so we can treat them before they worsen.
10). What role do patients play in maintaining their oral health between visits?
Great oral health is a partnership. Daily brushing and flossing, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits all work together to keep your smile healthy and strong.