What is General Dentistry?

General dentistry is preventative in nature. This branch of dentistry encompasses a variety of oral health needs and prevents the development of future dental problems. Routine dental appointments are a part of general dentistry. At these regular appointments, our hygienists offer thorough dental cleanings. Our dentists also thoroughly examine the mouth and offer dental x-rays regularly. The dental team at Westborough Dental Associates is dedicated to high-quality general dentistry services in Westborough, MA. Discover more about our general services here as we answer common questions.

general dentistry in Westborough, MA

FAQs: General Dentistry in Westborough, MA

Read answers to common questions many of our patients have about specific general dental treatments:

What are the benefits of white fillings?

White dental fillings are a more natural-looking option than traditional fillings. Old metal fillings can also contain mercury, which is toxic if ingested in large quantities. We use white fillings made of composite resin. Resin is a durable material that we color-match to the shade of your natural smile.

How do nightguards compare to mouthguards?

Sports mouthguards protect the teeth from damage or loss during contact sports. Our sports mouthguards are made of flexible plastic that covers the front of teeth. Nightguards are similar to mouthguards but are made of hard acrylic that protects the tooth’s chewing surfaces. Wearing a nightguard during sleep prevents teeth clenching and grinding. Nightguards and sports mouthguards are similar but are not interchangeable.

Are root canals painful?

We make sure that our patients feel comfortable during their root canal procedure. Many patients think that a root canal is painful. However, we use local anesthetic and sedation to make sure patients have relaxing treatment. Root canals also ultimately relieve pain caused by tooth decay. Once a dental infection reaches the inside of a tooth, we need to remove the infected pulp and seal the tooth to preserve its structure.

Do I need my wisdom teeth removed?

The majority of patients will need their wisdom teeth extracted if they have impacted wisdom teeth. Oftentimes, wisdom teeth do not have enough room to emerge. Wisdom teeth emerge behind the back molars and can grow at odd angles and even damage the natural teeth. Please contact our office if you notice pain behind your molars or feel your wisdom teeth coming in. We will take x-rays and determine if you require an extraction.

What are common dental emergencies?

If you require urgent dental care, call us for emergency dental services. Common emergencies that we treat in our office are knocked-out teeth, damaged dental restorations, and toothaches. We can also address soft tissue injuries or tooth damage. Our office offers restorative and cosmetic treatments to repair your smile, alleviate pain, and restore your oral health.

Receive Preventative Dental Care Today

Are you looking for a new dentist? Call Westborough Dental Associates. New patients can call 508.342.1519 and current patients may contact us at 508.366.0550. You can also request a dental appointment with our dental team on our website. Please let our team know if you have any remaining questions about our general dental services. We are always here to help.