General dental care provides preventative treatment against dental infections and injuries. It is the foundation for long-term dental health and minimizes the risk of common and complex dental problems. Routine dental cleanings, x-rays, root canals, and fillings are a regular part of general dental care that remove tooth decay and bacterial buildup from the smile. Finding and removing these dental problems can save teeth and gums.
At Gettysburg Smiles, Dr. Rita Tempel and our dental care team offer comprehensive general dentistry services to help patients enjoy optimal oral health and a comfortable smile. Regular dental care and general dental treatments at Gettysburg Smiles can help stop the spread of common oral health problems.
General dentistry is about preserving and protecting the smile. Our general dentistry also includes dental services for children and emergency care when an accident or dental trauma occurs. We strive to develop lasting relationships with our patients to provide dental care that is personalized to your needs.
General Dentistry in Gettysburg, PA
Dr. Tempel is passionate about helping patients maintain their oral health. She offers routine dental care and general dentistry services to supplement her patients’ at-home oral hygiene routines. General dental care is prevention-based, focusing on minimizing your risk for common dental health problems such as decay and gum disease. Regular dental care is the foundation of disease prevention.
Routine visits with our dental care team in Gettysburg can help you maintain your oral health and keep your teeth, gums, and jaw joints stable and healthy. Patients who visit the dentist regularly enjoy oral health benefits, which supports overall health and wellness. Minimizing decay and gum disease supports your immune system and enables you to enjoy your best quality of life.
Emergency Dental Care
A dental emergency can occur anytime, and prompt care can sometimes affect the outcome. If you experience sudden tooth pain, have lost a tooth or gotten one knocked out, or have broken a tooth or crown, contact our office as soon as possible. Dr. Tempel will evaluate your immediate need, and we can see you the same day if deemed necessary. Our team can provide guidance on managing your symptoms at home.
Root Canals
A root canal can save your natural tooth that has become infected, helping you avoid tooth extraction and maintain the integrity of your bite. Your dentist will perform a root canal in the comfort of our office whenever possible and can coordinate care with a local endodontist in more complex cases.
Custom Night Guards
We offer custom-made night guards for patients with bruxism due to their TMD. Teeth clenching and grinding, or bruxism, can pressure the temporomandibular joints connecting the jaw bone to the skull. A custom-made night guard alleviates stress and pressure from the teeth, jaw, and facial muscles. Patients who wear a night guard during sleep can also prevent broken and worn teeth.
Sedation Dentistry
Dental sedation is a treatment method that helps patients receive comfortable, relaxing dental care. Our dental office uses nitrous oxide and oxygen so patients relax during lengthy procedures. Dental sedation also benefits patients with dental anxiety or a fear of the dentist. Sedation allows them to get the dental treatments they need.
General Dental FAQs
Learn more about general dentistry with answers to these popular questions:
How will I feel under nitrous oxide?
Many patients will feel a light tingling sensation when we administer nitrous oxide and oxygen. Patients will also feel numb, calm, and relaxed. Under nitrous oxide, patients can still communicate with us and will not fall asleep.
Are night guards and mouthguards the same?
Although night guards and mouthguards may look similar, they offer different treatments for patients. Mouthguards cover the front of the teeth and prevent dental injuries. They are also typically made of flexible, rubber-like plastic. Night guards are hard acrylic oral appliances that can cover the upper or lower row of teeth.
Why do I need a professionally made night guard?
Boil-and-bite night guards you can find at the store can worsen TMD symptoms. These night guards are highly flexible plastic that encourages patients to bite and chew on the appliance. Our night guards offer a custom fit and are made of hard acrylic. This material can prevent patients from clenching and grinding their teeth.
What do I do if I have dental fear or anxiety?
At Gettysburg Smiles, we welcome patients with dental anxiety or a fear of the dentist to call our practice. We can accommodate fearful or anxious patients with dental sedation. Sedation allows us to perform regular dental care for patients who would otherwise avoid visiting the dentist. Regular dental visits are important in preventing problems like cavities and gum disease. We want all of our patients to get the chance to receive the dental care they need in our office.
Contact Our Dental Office
Are you looking for professional dental care? Request a dental appointment at Gettysburg Smiles on our website. You can also call Dr. Rita Tempel’s office at (717) 853-1552. Please let Dr. Tempel know if you have questions about your dental concerns at your next dental visit; she will help you get the right care.