A general dentist at Mint Dental Care PLLC provides comprehensive general dental services to meet all your dental needs. One of the main benefits is convenience—your general dentist handles everything from routine dental checkups to more complex procedures like fillings, crowns, and even emergency care. This means you don’t need to visit multiple specialists for different dental issues. Additionally, our general dental clinic focuses on preventive care, helping you avoid problems before they start. Here are some benefits:

• Personalized care: We get to know you and your dental history, allowing for customized treatment plans.
• Early detection: Regular visits allow your general dentist to spot potential issues early, like cavities or gum disease.
• Long-term relationship: Building a relationship with your dental professional ensures consistent care throughout your life.

At Mint Dental Care PLLC, our Plattsburgh general dental practice is dedicated to providing you with the best possible care in a friendly, comfortable environment.

The terms general dentist and DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) might seem confusing, but they refer to the same type of dental professional. Both DDS and DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) degrees are awarded to dentists who have completed the required education and training.

The difference lies in the title given by the dental school they attended. Regardless of the title, a general dentist at our dental clinic is fully qualified to provide all general dentistry services, including routine dental checkups, fillings, crowns, and more. 

Whether your dentist holds a DDS or DMD, you can trust they have the expertise needed to care for your dental health. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, our Plattsburgh dental professionals are committed to offering top-quality general dental care to keep your smile healthy and bright.

A standard dental cleaning is a routine part of your general dental care at Mint Dental Care PLLC, designed to maintain healthy teeth and gums. During a regular cleaning, our dental specialists remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, polish them, and provide guidance on maintaining good oral hygiene. This type of cleaning is typically recommended every six months as part of your general dentistry service.

In contrast, a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is more intensive and is often required if you have signs of gum disease. This procedure cleans below the gumline to remove bacteria and tartar from the roots of your teeth, helping to prevent or treat periodontal disease. A deep cleaning is more thorough and may be necessary if regular cleanings aren’t sufficient to keep your gums healthy. At our Plattsburgh general dental clinic, we provide both types of cleanings to ensure your oral health is well-maintained.

Getting used to dentures typically takes a few weeks to a couple of months. Initially, you might experience some discomfort, difficulty speaking, or trouble eating certain foods. However, as your mouth adjusts, these issues should gradually diminish. It’s important to wear your dentures as much as possible during this adjustment period, follow any care instructions provided by your dentist, and attend regular follow-up appointments at our general dental clinic. If you continue to experience discomfort or difficulty, our Plattsburgh dental professionals at Mint Dental Care PLLC are here to help make the transition smoother.

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can be quite harmful if not addressed. Over time, grinding can wear down your teeth, cause jaw pain and headaches, and even lead to TMJ disorders. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, our dental specialists are skilled in diagnosing and treating bruxism. Here’s how we can help:

1. Mouthguards: We can create a custom-fit mouthguard to wear at night, protecting your teeth from grinding.
2. Stress management: Since stress is a common cause of bruxism, managing stress through relaxation techniques can reduce grinding.
3. Corrective dental work: In some cases, misaligned teeth or bite issues can contribute to grinding. Our general dentist might recommend treatments like orthodontics to address these problems.

If you suspect you’re grinding your teeth, it’s essential to discuss it during your next dental checkup at our general dental clinic in Plattsburgh to prevent further damage.

Flossing is a crucial part of your general dental care because it removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth, areas that your toothbrush can’t reach. Regular flossing helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Here’s how to floss correctly:

1. Use about 18 inches of floss: Wrap most of it around your middle fingers, leaving a few inches to work with.
2. Slide the floss gently between your teeth: Don’t snap it into your gums; instead, use a gentle sawing motion.
3. Curve the floss around each tooth: Form a “C” shape around the tooth, gently sliding it under the gumline.
4. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth to avoid spreading plaque.

At Mint Dental Care PLLC, our dental professionals can demonstrate proper flossing techniques during your next dental checkup, ensuring you’re getting the most out of your general dentistry routine.

The longevity of a tooth filling depends on several factors, including the material used and how well you care for your teeth. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, our general dentist uses high-quality materials to ensure your fillings last as long as possible. Here’s what you can expect:

• Amalgam fillings: A durable mixture of metals like silver, mercury, and tin. It’s strong and long-lasting, making it a popular choice for back teeth. Typically last 10-15 years, sometimes longer with proper care.
• Ceramic: Often used for inlays and onlays, ceramic fillings are durable and aesthetically pleasing but can be more expensive. They usually last about 15 years or longer.
• Composite fillings: A tooth-colored material that blends in with your natural teeth, ideal for visible areas like front teeth. These tooth-colored fillings can last 5-7 years, but with excellent care, they may last longer.
• Gold fillings: A durable and long-lasting option, though it’s less common due to its cost and color. Can last up to 20 years, making them one of the most durable options.

Regular dental checkups at our general dental clinic in Plattsburgh, NY, will help ensure your fillings remain intact and that any potential issues are caught early.

Dental crowns and bridges are both common general dental services provided at Mint Dental Care PLLC, but they serve different purposes:

• Dental crowns: These are caps that cover a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are often used after a root canal or to protect a tooth with a large filling.
• Tooth bridges: A bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by crowns attached to the adjacent teeth.

Both crowns and bridges are custom-made to match your natural teeth and provide a durable, long-lasting solution for restoring your smile. Our Plattsburgh general dental clinic offers expert fitting and care to ensure your dental crowns and bridges look and function perfectly.

TMJ disorders can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, and at Mint Dental Care PLLC, our dental specialists are here to help diagnose and treat them. Common symptoms include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness: Especially around the ears or when chewing.
• Clicking or popping sounds: When opening or closing your mouth.
• Difficulty chewing: Or a feeling that your teeth don’t fit together properly.
• Lockjaw: A sensation of the jaw getting stuck in an open or closed position.
• Headaches: Often starting in the temples and spreading.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a Plattsburgh general dentist. We’ll work with you to find the right treatment plan to alleviate your discomfort and improve your jaw function.