General dentistry is the cornerstone of your oral health. It involves a wide range of crucial and essential dental services to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. With general dentistry, there is a commitment from your dental team to provide preventative care and early intervention. Dr. Williamson is uniquely qualified to meet your dental care needs and maintains excellent oral health standards.
General Dentistry in Hillsborough, NC
During routine dental visits, our team will thoroughly assess your oral health. Depending on your needs, we can offer a range of dental treatments and procedures such as the following.
When you are ready to visit our Hillsborough dental office, give us a call at 919-587-8401 or request an appointment on our website.
Dental Cleanings
Regular dental cleanings are vital to the foundation of good oral health. Even if you have a great oral hygiene routine at home, plaque and tartar can build in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. This is especially true between your teeth and along your gum line. Performed by our experienced dental hygienists, your dental cleaning will remove harmful plaque and bacteria from all surfaces in your mouth to prevent gum disease and cavities.
During your cleaning, your hygienist will use specialized tools to remove hardened plaque and tartar, especially in hard-to-reach places. They will also polish your teeth to remove surface stains, leaving your smile fresh and sparkling.
Dental Exams
To prevent major dental issues, routine dental exams are essential for early detection. Dr. Williamson will carefully inspect your teeth and gums during a dental exam. He will look for any signs of decay, gum disease, oral cancer, or other potential concerns. Your dental team may take X-rays for a more in-depth view of your oral health. X-rays allow your dentist to see beyond the surface of your mouth to get the full picture of your health. These check-ups help your dentist catch problems in their early stages.
Dental Fillings
When decay or cavities are detected during a dental exam, you need prompt treatment to prevent further damage to your teeth and oral health. Dental fillings are a common and highly effective option to restore your teeth. To begin, your dentist will remove the decayed portion of your tooth and clean it thoroughly. Then, they will fill the cavity with a durable filling material, such as composite resin or amalgam. This helps to halt the progression of decay as well as restore the look and function of your tooth.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a preventative measure that can benefit children and teens. However, they can be suitable for anyone prone to developing cavities. Sealants are thin, protective coatings that your dentist will apply to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. The sealant creates a barrier that prevents food particles and bacteria from getting trapped in the deep grooves of these teeth. As a result, it can reduce your risk of cavities.
Root Canal Procedures
A root canal can often make patients anxious, but this process helps save your natural smile. Advances in techniques for endodontics make root canals a far more tolerable procedure with minimal discomfort.
When the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, a root canal can save the natural tooth. This infection or inflammation can be from deep decay or dental trauma. During the procedure, your dentist will remove the infected pulp and clean the inside of your tooth. Then, they will completely seal the tooth. This alleviates pain and infection as well as preserves your natural tooth. With a root canal, you can avoid the need for a tooth extraction.
The Importance of Preventative Care
Regular dental checkups are at the heart of preventative care. When you visit your dentist for routine exams, they can identify early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral problems before they become severe. Early detection allows for more effective, less invasive treatment, helping you avoid discomfort and extensive dental work. These visits also include professional cleanings that remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing alone cannot address.
Preventative dental care also involves education. Your dentist and dental hygienist provide guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques, recommend the best products for your needs, and offer tips on diet and lifestyle choices that support oral health. By following their advice, you can significantly lower your risk of cavities, gum disease, and enamel erosion.
Good preventative care habits at home are just as important as professional services. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing every day, and using mouthwash when recommended all contribute to maintaining a healthy mouth. These habits remove harmful bacteria, prevent plaque formation, and keep your breath fresh. Pairing at-home care with regular dental visits ensures you are taking a complete approach to your oral health.
Preventative care goes beyond keeping your teeth and gums healthy. It also protects your overall health. Research shows that oral health is linked to systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Gum disease, in particular, can contribute to inflammation and negatively affect your body’s immune response. By maintaining strong oral hygiene and addressing dental issues early, you support not only your smile but your whole body.
Children and adults alike benefit from preventative dental care. For children, early dental visits set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits and allow dentists to monitor proper development. For adults, ongoing preventative care helps preserve natural teeth, detect oral cancer in its earliest stages, and maintain a confident, healthy smile. Seniors also benefit, as regular care can help manage the effects of aging on oral health and prevent tooth loss.
Diet and Oral Health
Sugary and acidic foods are some of the biggest threats to your teeth. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar, producing acids that erode tooth enamel and cause cavities. Sodas, candies, pastries, and even certain fruit juices can contribute to decay when consumed frequently.
Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits and carbonated beverages, can also weaken enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to damage. Limiting these items—or enjoying them in moderation—helps reduce the risk of long-term harm.
A diet rich in vitamins and minerals strengthens teeth and gums. Calcium and phosphorus, found in dairy products, leafy greens, and nuts, are essential for maintaining strong enamel. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, making it equally important for dental health. Vitamin C, found in foods like oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers, supports healthy gums and helps prevent gum disease by boosting collagen production.
Crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and celery, act as natural toothbrushes, stimulating saliva production and helping remove food particles from teeth. Saliva is essential for neutralizing acids in the mouth and protecting enamel. Water plays a similar role, rinsing away debris and keeping your mouth hydrated. Choosing water over sugary drinks is one of the simplest and most effective ways to promote oral health.
A balanced diet also supports your body’s ability to fight infections. Poor nutrition can weaken your immune system, making it harder to resist gum disease and oral infections. Eating a variety of whole foods, including lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, ensures your mouth and body have the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
Snacking habits matter too. Frequent snacking exposes your teeth to more acid attacks, especially if snacks are high in sugar or starch. If you do snack, opt for tooth-friendly options like cheese, nuts, or fresh vegetables. These foods not only provide essential nutrients but also help keep your mouth’s pH balanced.
General Dentistry FAQs
General dentistry gives your smile a solid foundation. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.
Why do I need professional dental cleanings if I brush and floss daily?
Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas. Professional cleanings remove this buildup, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Cleanings also help remove surface stains, keeping your teeth looking brighter. Additionally, your dentist can detect early signs of dental problems before they become serious.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes, dental X-rays are safe and use very low radiation levels. Modern digital X-rays further reduce radiation exposure compared to traditional film X-rays. Dentists only take X-rays when necessary to diagnose or monitor dental conditions. If you are pregnant or have concerns, inform your dentist so they can take appropriate precautions.
Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
Occasional bleeding may occur if you floss too aggressively or have recently started a new oral hygiene routine. However, persistent bleeding is often a sign of gum disease or irritation. Improving your oral hygiene and visiting your dentist for a professional cleaning can help. If the problem continues, your dentist may recommend additional treatments.
What is fluoride, and why is it important?
Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. It is found in toothpaste, mouth rinses, and many public water supplies. Fluoride treatments at the dentist’s office can provide extra protection, especially for children or those prone to cavities. Using fluoride as part of your oral care routine helps keep your teeth strong and resistant to decay.
What are wisdom teeth, and do they always need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties. They must only be removed if they cause pain, crowding, or infection. Some people have enough space for their wisdom teeth to grow without issues. Your dentist will monitor their development and recommend removal if necessary.
What is the best way to care for my teeth at home?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce plaque. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are worn. Maintain a healthy diet, limit sugary snacks, and stay hydrated with water. Regular dental checkups and cleanings ensure your oral health remains in top condition.