Who do you see for the general upkeep of your smile? The first person that comes to mind is likely a general dentist. General dentists are the first line of defense for preventing and treating oral health issues. Our Lake Oswego general dentist, Dr. Larry Bowden provides general dentistry services to patients of all ages, with a focus on how oral health connects to the whole body.
What Is General Dentistry?
General dentistry focuses on preventing and treating a wide variety of oral diseases in patients of all ages. As the primary caregiver, your general dentist will help you and your family preserve your oral health as an integral part of your overall well-being.
General dentists are there to help maintain the health of your smile and prescribe personalized treatment. They’re also experts in the function of the jaw and the airways, making them the professionals you want to see about chronic problems like TMJ issues, snoring, and sleep apnea. By addressing these oral issues, we can help improve your systemic health.
General Dentistry Services in Lake Oswego, OR
Dental Cleanings and Exams
Routine dental cleanings and exams are the foundation of general dentistry. They allow your dentist to determine the state of your oral health and improve your smile. Dr. Bowden will provide an in-depth examination of your mouth, throat, and other areas of your face and jaw, understanding that all these systems are interconnected. Once he understands the state of your oral health, he’ll prescribe personalized treatment as necessary.
During your cleaning, our hygienist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from areas where a toothbrush can’t easily reach. Once these bacteria-laden substances are gone, you’ll be less susceptible to oral health issues such as periodontal disease, which has been linked to systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. From there, they’ll polish and floss every tooth, ensuring your smile is clean and greatly improving your smile.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer screenings are a preventive measure that allows your general dentist to identify potentially cancerous cells. From there, they can have the cells studied by a specialist as soon as possible, increasing the effectiveness of treatment. Early detection and intervention are key to a successful outcome, which is a core tenet of holistic care.
We use the VELscope® system, a cancer screening system that utilizes fluorescence visualization. The specially designed light makes abnormal tissues appear darker than the rest of the mouth. These tissues provide the samples that will allow our general dentist to determine the chances of oral cancer.
Snoring & Sleep Apnea
Snoring and sleep apnea are chronic conditions ranging from annoying to debilitating. As a knowledgeable professional on the issues of the mouth and throat, Dr. Bowden can identify the signs. Once you’ve received an accurate diagnosis, he’ll prescribe effective treatments. Addressing these issues from a holistic perspective means we look at the root cause of the problem, not just the symptoms, to improve your overall quality of life.
Many patients who suffer from snoring or sleep apnea will see a reduction in symptoms through oral appliance therapy like the Thornton Adjustable Positioner® (TAP). We also provide NightLase® laser treatment, which can help tighten loose tissue that may worsen snoring and sleep apnea symptoms.
TMJ Treatment
TMD/TMJ treatment can help alleviate pain and discomfort caused by temporomandibular joint disorders. These disorders are caused by dislocation or inflammation of the temporomandibular joints, which connect your jaw to your skull and allow it to move. Dr. Bowden will utilize neuromuscular dentistry to help address the root of the issue, recognizing that a properly aligned bite and jaw can impact your entire body. This will help ensure your symptoms are relieved quickly and won’t return.
Call Today to Visit Our Lake Oswego General Dentist!
Holistic general dentist Dr. Bowden and our dental team pride themselves on keeping smiles healthy and strong throughout the year. We understand that your oral health is directly connected to your overall health and well-being. That’s why Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego provides general dentistry services to patients from Lake Oswego and surrounding areas such as Portland, Tualatin, Wilsonville, Beaverton, Tigard, and Sherwood, OR.
If you’re looking for a skilled, holistic general dentist near you, then contact our Lake Oswego dental office by dialing (503) 675-7300. You can also request an appointment online. One of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly.