General and family dentistry encompasses a comprehensive range of dental services to provide preventive, diagnostic, and treatment care for patients of all ages and oral health needs. From routine dental cleanings and exams to advanced diagnostic technologies, restorative treatments, and oral health education, general and family dentistry focuses on maintaining optimal oral health, preventing dental problems, and addressing a wide range of dental issues, including cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, oral infections, and oral cancer.
With a strong emphasis on preventive care and a patient-centered approach, general and family dentistry aims to promote healthy smiles, improve overall well-being, and empower patients to achieve and maintain lifelong oral health and happiness. Visit Robert Hays DDS INC for the best dental care possible.
Dental Cleanings & Exams
Regular dental cleanings and exams are the foundation of preventive dental care, helping to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from the teeth and gums while allowing dentists to assess oral health and detect potential issues early. During a dental cleaning, our dentist in Citrus Heights, CA, uses specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gums, followed by polishing to create a smooth, clean surface. Dental exams involve thoroughly evaluating the teeth, gums, and oral tissues to identify signs of decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other oral health problems. By scheduling biannual dental cleanings and exams, patients can maintain healthy smiles and prevent the development of dental issues.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent the development of cavities. Made of plastic or resin material, sealants act as a barrier, sealing off the deep grooves and pits of the teeth where food particles and bacteria can accumulate, leading to decay. Dental sealants are particularly beneficial for children and teenagers, who may be more susceptible to cavities due to their diet, oral hygiene habits, and teeth anatomy. By sealing off vulnerable areas of the teeth, dental sealants help protect against tooth decay and promote long-term oral health.
DIAGNOdent™ Cavity Detection
DIAGNOdent™ is an advanced diagnostic tool used to detect early signs of tooth decay that may not be visible to the naked eye or detectable with traditional dental instruments. Using laser fluorescence technology, DIAGNOdent™ measures the fluorescence emitted by tooth structure, allowing dentists to identify areas of demineralization and early decay with precision and accuracy.
Early detection of cavities enables dentists to intervene promptly and implement preventive measures such as fluoride treatments, dental sealants, or conservative restorations to stop the progression of decay and preserve tooth structure. By incorporating DIAGNOdent™ cavity detection into routine dental exams, our dentist in Citrus Heights, CA, can provide more proactive and effective patient care.
Digital X-Rays
Digital X-rays have revolutionized diagnostic imaging in dentistry, offering numerous benefits over traditional film-based X-rays, including reduced radiation exposure, faster image acquisition, and enhanced image quality. Digital X-rays use electronic sensors to capture detailed images of the teeth, roots, jawbone, and surrounding structures, enabling dentists to detect dental problems such as cavities, infections, bone loss, and impacted teeth more accurately and efficiently.
Digital X-rays also facilitate more accessible storage, sharing, and manipulation of images. They enable dentists to communicate more effectively with patients and collaborate with other healthcare providers.
Dental care expenses can be a concern, so we provide various financial options to accommodate your budget. For further details regarding our financial solutions, contact us today!
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatment is a preventive dental therapy aimed at strengthening tooth enamel and reducing the risk of tooth decay. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, and certain foods, known for its ability to remineralize weakened enamel and inhibit the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.
During a fluoride treatment, a highly concentrated fluoride solution is applied to the teeth as a gel, foam, or varnish, where it is absorbed into the enamel, making it more resistant to acid erosion and decay. Fluoride treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals at high risk of cavities, such as children, seniors, and those with certain medical conditions or dietary habits.
Home Oral Hygiene Care
Home oral hygiene care plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health between dental visits and preventing the onset of dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. A comprehensive home oral hygiene routine should include brushing with fluoride toothpaste daily, flossing between the teeth to remove plaque and debris, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria and freshen breathing. Additionally, patients may benefit from using interdental cleaners, such as dental picks or water flossers, to clean hard-to-reach areas between the teeth and along the gumline.
Dentists are vital in educating patients about proper oral hygiene techniques and providing personalized recommendations based on individual oral health needs and concerns. Dentists can support long-term oral health and prevent dental issues by empowering patients with the knowledge and tools to maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
Intraoral Camera
An intraoral camera is a small, handheld device equipped with a camera and light source that allows dentists to capture high-definition images of the teeth, gums, and oral tissues inside the mouth. Intraoral cameras can enhance and magnify the images they take of dental structures, enabling dentists to identify and document dental problems with greater clarity and precision. These images can be displayed on a monitor for real-time viewing, allowing patients to see and understand their oral health status more effectively.
Intraoral cameras also facilitate patient education and communication by enabling dentists to visually present dental conditions, treatment options, and preventive measures.
Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is an advanced dental technology that utilizes laser energy to perform a wide range of dental procedures with precision, efficiency, and minimal discomfort. Dental lasers can be used for soft tissue procedures such as gum contouring, frenectomies, and periodontal therapy, as well as hard tissue procedures such as cavity preparation, tooth desensitization, and dental restoration.
Laser dentistry offers numerous advantages over traditional dental techniques, including reduced bleeding, swelling, and postoperative discomfort, and faster healing and recovery times. Additionally, lasers enable dentists to perform minimally invasive treatments with greater precision and control, preserving healthy tooth structure and minimizing the need for anesthesia or sutures.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screening is essential to routine dental care to detect early signs of oral cancer and other precancerous lesions that may not be visible to the naked eye. Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, throat, and other oral tissues, and early detection is critical for successful treatment and survival.
During an oral cancer screening, dentists visually examine the oral cavity and palpate the neck and lymph nodes to check for abnormal lumps, bumps, or discolorations. In some cases, dentists may use additional diagnostic tools, such as tissue fluorescence visualization devices or specialized stains, to aid in the detection of suspicious lesions. Oral cancer screening is essential for individuals at high risk of oral cancer, including tobacco users, heavy alcohol drinkers, and those with a family history of the disease.
Panoramic X-Rays
Panoramic X-rays, also known as panoramic radiographs or orthopantomograms (OPGs), are specialized dental images that provide a comprehensive view of the entire oral and maxillofacial region, including the teeth, jaws, temporomandibular joints (TMJs), and surrounding structures. Unlike traditional intraoral X-rays, which capture individual images of specific teeth or sections of the mouth, panoramic X-rays produce a single, wide-ranging image that shows the entire mouth in a single frame.
Panoramic X-rays are valuable diagnostic tools for assessing oral health and detecting dental problems such as impacted teeth, jawbone abnormalities, cysts or tumors, and temporomandibular joint disorders. These images significantly contribute to treatment planning, orthodontic evaluations, and oral surgery procedures, as they provide a comprehensive view of the entire oral anatomy.
General and family dentistry encompasses a wide range of preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services to promote healthy smiles and prevent oral health problems for patients of all ages. Visit Robert Hays DDS INC at 8035 Madison Ave., Ste. D1, Citrus Heights, CA 95610, or call 916 961 0163 to schedule regular dental checkups and screenings to ensure your oral health needs are met, and your smile remains bright and healthy for years.