For your oral health, well-being: FAQs about our distinctive approaches to common general dentistry services
The term ‘general’ suggests a wide scope and range. And, as it applies to dentistry, ‘general’ sums up what we offer at the office of Richard D. Weigand, DDS. However, Dr. Weigand and our Spokane, Washington team complement these vast services and treatments with lasers and other technologies and capabilities. This approach helps us provide the exceptional, comfortable, and convenient care you and your family deserve. We are pleased to acquaint you with our uncommon approaches to many common procedures by answering some of our patients’ most frequently asked questions about general dentistry. And, of course, we encourage you to contact our team directly with any specific questions.
What are some examples of general dentistry?
General dentists are multi-talented; we protect the teeth, gums, and other tissues and structures of the mouth, face, and jaws with preventative dentistry services (such as routine cleanings and dental sealants). We also detect problems as early as possible with routine exams, screenings, and our use of special technologies (like laser cavity detection). Of course, we also treat and address a wide range of oral problems. Crowns, implant-supported bridges, and dentures can partially or fully rebuild damaged teeth. Laser-assisted periodontal therapy can heal damaged gums. Natural-looking veneers, secured to the front surfaces of teeth with visible imperfections, can camouflage cosmetic concerns like stubborn stains and chips.
Why have you invested so heavily in lasers?
A Fellow of the World Clinical Laser Institute (WCLI), Dr. Weigand intimately understands the transformative power of lasers in dentistry. Lasers are a light-touch, tissue-preserving, and painless alternative to conventional cutting techniques and surgical tools. Dr. Weigand has the onsite capabilities to perform many treatments on soft and hard tissues with laser dentistry. So, applications at our office range from detecting cavities at their earliest stages to filling preparation and gum contouring.
Is it true that people with good oral health are healthier in general?
Poor oral health is a risk factor for many systemic conditions. Consider how chronic inflammation associated with untreated, advanced gum disease is also a risk factor for heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and more. For our diabetic patients, uncontrolled gum disease also presents a challenge to their maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. It’s important to remember that your mouth connects to the rest of your body in many different ways. In addition to the potential for infections and other threats to travel to other body parts via the bloodstream, your teeth, gums, jaw joints, and mouth are responsible for many essential functions. When you can’t eat a variety of foods comfortably, your nutrition suffers. When your nutrition suffers, deficiencies can arise that affect other organs and systems of your body. Even cosmetic concerns can profoundly impact one’s well-being because one’s mental and emotional health is significantly influenced by how one feels about one’s appearance.
