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General Dentistry Columbia, SC

Oral care and hygiene depend on a partnership between you and your dentist. For your part, you need to do your twice-daily brushing and daily flossing as recommended by the ADA. You also need to remember to make your appointments for your twice-annual appointments. At these appointments, we do our part to keep your teeth healthy and attractive.

We will thoroughly clean your teeth, including removing hardened plaque that you cannot remove with regular brushing. Dr. Adam Hahn will conduct a thorough tooth-by-tooth exam, which includes an oral cancer screening, periodontal analysis, and bite assessment.

Always patient-centered and friendly, our entire staff is highly trained and passionate about delivering the absolute best dental care using the latest methods and technologies available. Whether it is thoughtful preventative care, sedation dentistry, or advanced dental procedures, we believe in the importance of a meaningful doctor-patient relationship. We’ve seen the difference it can make when it comes to oral health. Our friendly dental team takes the time to get to know you, allowing us to offer you truly personalized dentistry and a rewarding experience at our dentist in Columbia, SC.

As a local, trusted dental practice offering general dental services, we strive to provide lifetime care to our patients because oral health is integral to overall health. Our philosophy is to provide care that will be in your best interest now and in the years to come so you have a smile that will last a lifetime! We offer exceptional service and comprehensive dental exams to ensure lasting oral health for our patients.

Comprehensive Dental Exam Services

We take pride in offering comprehensive dental exam services designed to maintain and improve your oral health. Our dental exams include a thorough evaluation of your teeth, gums, and mouth. We use a detailed dental exam form to ensure nothing is overlooked. For those searching for a dental exam, our clinic provides accessible, high-quality care right in your community.

Dental Exam for New Patients

  • Exam for New Patients: To make it easier for everyone to get the care they need, we offer a dental exam for new patients.
  • Early Detection and Prevention: This initiative promotes dental health and helps in preventing future dental problems through early detection and treatment.

Why Dental Exams Are Important

Regular dental exams are essential for maintaining excellent oral health and overall well-being. Here’s why:

  • Catch Issues Early: Routine exams help identify:
    • Cavities
    • Gum disease
    • Oral cancer
  • Conservative Treatments: When problems are caught early, they can be addressed using conservative methods, saving tooth structure and preventing more serious issues later.

Benefits of Professional Cleanings

Professional cleanings during your dental exam offer the following benefits:

  • Removal of Tartar and Plaque: Cleaning removes tartar and plaque buildup that brushing and flossing might miss.
  • Reduced Risk of Cavities and Gum Disease: Regular cleanings reduce the risk of common dental issues.
  • Improved Breath and Appearance: Cleaning ensures better breath and a more attractive smile.

Monitoring Jaw and Teeth Development

During periodic checkups, we evaluate the following:

  • Jaw Growth: For younger patients, monitoring jaw growth and tooth alignment is crucial.
  • Behavioral Impacts: We also check for the effects of habits such as:
    • Thumb-sucking
    • Bruxism (tooth grinding)
    • Smoking

Promoting Proactive Oral Health

Regular check-ups encourage proactive oral hygiene. For optimal oral health:

  • Follow Instructions: Adhere to your dentist’s guidance for brushing, flossing, and eating habits.
  • Self-care at Home: In addition to professional care, practicing proper oral hygiene at home is vital.

What to Expect During Your Dental Exam

Your dental exam includes the following:

  1. Review of Dental and Medical History: Helps us understand any factors that could impact your oral health.
  2. Thorough Inspection: Your dentist will check for:
    • Signs of decay
    • Damage or wear on teeth
    • Condition of existing fillings and crowns
    • Redness, swelling, or spaces between teeth and gums (symptoms of periodontal disease)
  3. Advanced Diagnostic Tools: We use digital X-rays to get a detailed view of your teeth and surrounding bone structure.
  4. Professional Cleaning: A cleaning removes plaque and tartar, leaving your teeth clean and breath fresh.

An Inviting Dental Practice

Every patient who walks through the doors of our spacious, welcoming building is greeted by our inviting team and escorted back to one of our many individual care centers.

If you are overdue for a general dentistry check-up or have a dental need, please call (803) 781-9090 today for an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

We perform x-rays as part of an oral exam. X-rays give your Columbia general dentist the whole picture of your mouth. It allows us to see between and inside your teeth, helping us to identify tooth decay between your teeth and under a filling, abnormal growths, bone loss, and the position of your teeth and teeth roots.

Yes! Flossing is the only way to prevent plaque and tartar build-up between your teeth at home. Preventative care is a large part of keeping your teeth clean and healthy. Food and other particles can get caught between your teeth and cause tooth decay before you can get to the dentist.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Toothbrushes with too hard of bristles can damage your gums and irritate them. We recommend toothpaste with fluoride because it helps seal and protects your teeth. If you experience sensitivity, you may want to look into a toothbrush for sensitive teeth or make an appointment with us to determine why your teeth are feeling sensitive.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is safe to use on your teeth and for your health. It fights tooth decay by sealing and protecting your teeth. We use it to keep you and your teeth healthy.

To fight bad breath, be sure to brush and floss your teeth twice per day, replace your toothbrush every three months, brush your tongue, clean dentures or dental appliances, avoid a dry mouth, and visit your Columbia general dentist twice a year.

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