General Dentistry Preserves Your Oral Health

Root canal therapy eliminates advanced tooth decay and can help you avoid tooth extraction. During root canal therapy, Dr. James Altomare will create a small hole in the chewing surface of the tooth to remove all decayed tissue, sanitize the inside of the tooth, and fill it with a dental material called gutta-percha. Typically, root canal therapy also involves the placement of a dental crown to shield the tooth from future damage. This procedure usually requires local anesthesia to keep you comfortable and relaxed.

Did you know that the same bacteria that can wear away at your enamel and cause cavities can also affect your gums, causing periodontal disease such as gingivitis or periodontitis? At your routine cleanings and exams, Dr. Altomare will perform a visual assessment to check your gums for disease, infection, or inflammation. If necessary, we can also perform a deep cleaning procedure called root planing and scaling to remove plaque from below the gums. We can also show you how to properly floss your teeth to maintain your periodontal health. 

Your temporomandibular joints, or “TMJs,” act as a hinge between your temple and your lower jaw. If your TMJs become strained or damaged, it can cause discomfort, clicking sounds, headache, swelling, and other symptoms. To treat this condition, Dr. Altomare typically recommends oral appliances, or plastic mouth guards, that hold your jaw in the proper position at night. If your case is severe, we may refer you to our partner specialists. 

Staying active and participating in contact sports is great, but if you fail to properly protect your teeth, you could end up with an uncomfortable and costly injury. To help you avoid the hassle, expense, and discomfort of dental trauma, Dr. Altomare can create a custom guard for your mouth. Worn during athletic activity, this plastic appliance covers your teeth, protecting them from trauma.

Routine cleanings and exams can help you maintain your oral health so you don’t have to deal with more complicated issues in the future. Dr. Altomare practices preventive dentistry to teach you how to clean your teeth at home, and identify any dental issues before they become more serious. He treats patients of all ages, helping children and adults develop better oral hygiene habits. At each of your preventive care appointments, which should be scheduled at least every six months, Dr. Altomare will perform your cleaning himself and conduct a screening for oral cancer.