General Dentistry

General dentistry focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating common dental problems. It includes routine exams, professional cleanings, and restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns to help maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Dr. Alexander Matheson, Dr. Ezra Hahn, and Dr. Samantha Holder provide dental care at Bellissimo Dentistry & Implant Center. We base our recommendations on your exam findings, symptoms, and dental history rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Depending on your needs, general dental care may include:

• Examining teeth for cavities, cracks, and signs of wear.
• Checking your gums for inflammation or other concerns.
• Removing plaque and tartar during professional dental cleanings.
• Evaluating existing fillings, crowns, and other dental work.
• Discussing treatment options for damaged or decayed teeth.

Your teeth, gums, and bite all play a role in your oral health. Regular dental visits help us monitor changes and recommend care that fits your individual needs.

Your dental checkup begins with a conversation. We ask about changes in your oral health, including tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums, discomfort when chewing, or other concerns. It’s also helpful to share updates about medications or medical conditions that could affect your dental care.

Next, we examine your teeth, gums, and existing dental work. We look for signs of decay, damage, inflammation, and other changes that may need attention.

Dental X-rays may be recommended when needed to evaluate areas that aren’t visible during a routine examination. For example, X-rays can help identify decay between teeth or changes around tooth roots. We determine whether imaging is appropriate based on your dental history, symptoms, and individual risk factors.

If we notice a problem, we’ll explain what we found and discuss the available treatment options. You’ll have time to ask questions before deciding how to proceed.

Feeling nervous about your appointment? Let us know. We can talk through your concerns and take breaks during your visit when needed.

Preventive dentistry combines regular professional care with the habits you practice every day. Both play an important role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

Professional cleanings remove hardened tartar that brushing and flossing cannot eliminate. They also give us an opportunity to review your oral hygiene routine and discuss areas that may need additional attention.

At home, focus on a few consistent habits:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between your teeth daily using floss or another appropriate interdental cleaner.
• Limit frequent exposure to sugary foods and drinks.
• Pay attention to changes in your gums, teeth, or mouth.

Your recommended dental visit schedule depends on your oral health needs. Some patients benefit from closer monitoring because of gum concerns or frequent cavities. Others may need additional guidance for dry mouth or other factors that increase their risk of dental problems.

We can also discuss preventive treatments such as fluoride or dental sealants when appropriate.

Have a child who’s still learning to brush thoroughly? Ask us for practical tips to help make daily dental care easier.

Even with good oral hygiene, teeth can develop cavities, cracks, or other damage. Restorative dental treatments help repair affected teeth and support their function.

A dental filling restores an area of a tooth damaged by decay. A dental crown may be recommended when a tooth has more extensive damage and needs additional protection or support.

The right treatment depends on several factors, including how much healthy tooth structure remains, the location of the damaged tooth, and how your teeth come together when you bite.

Depending on the procedure, we may numb the area, remove decay, prepare the tooth, and place a restoration. We also check your bite to help ensure the repaired tooth functions comfortably.

Not every dental concern can be addressed with a filling or crown. Some problems require additional treatment or a specialist’s evaluation. If that’s the case, we’ll explain the reasons behind our recommendation and help you understand the next steps.

You don’t have to wait for a severe toothache to schedule a dental appointment. Some dental problems develop gradually, and early symptoms may come and go.

Contact a dental office if you notice:

• Tooth sensitivity that lingers after eating or drinking something hot or cold.
• Gums that frequently bleed, swell, or feel tender.
• Pain or discomfort when biting or chewing.
• A chipped or broken tooth.
• A loose filling or damaged dental restoration.

An early evaluation can help identify the cause of your symptoms and determine whether treatment is needed.

Some symptoms require more urgent attention. Facial swelling, fever, or rapidly worsening dental pain should be evaluated promptly. Difficulty breathing or swallowing requires immediate emergency medical care.

If you’re unsure whether a symptom needs attention, call our office and describe what you’re experiencing. We can help you determine an appropriate next step.

The right schedule depends on your oral health, cavity risk, and gum condition. While regular checkups and cleanings are important, some patients need more frequent visits than others. Your dentist can recommend an appointment schedule based on your individual needs.

Dental X-rays may be recommended when necessary to evaluate areas that cannot be seen during a visual examination. Whether you need X-rays depends on your dental history, symptoms, and risk factors. They are not automatically required at every checkup.

Yes. A general dentist can evaluate many common causes of tooth pain, including tooth decay, dental trauma, and gum disease. After examining the affected area, your dentist can explain whether treatment or a referral is appropriate.