General Dentistry in Pullman
Has it been a while since you’ve been to the dentist? While it might not be on the top of your to-do list, routine dental visits are a must for any individual aiming to put their best smile forward.
At Torrey Dental, our friendly staff and our caring dentist, Dr. Marcus Torrey, offer all the general dentistry services that you need. Our dental cleanings, exams, and sedation dentistry options are performed with your best interest in mind, as we strive to ensure everyone feels comfortable in our office.
Whether you see the dentist often or it’s been a long time since you’ve had a dental cleaning, we want to help you with your dental health! Request your consultation at our Pullman office today!
Request An AppointmentDental Cleanings & Exams
Dental cleanings and exams are routine treatments that keep your teeth in tip-top shape. While the average person only needs to go to the dentist every six months, some people may need cleanings more frequently. We focus on creating comprehensive and personalized treatment plans for you as an individual so you can make the best decisions regarding your dental health.
During the cleaning, a dental hygienist will remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth. They will also take x-rays of your smile.
Then, Dr. Torrey will examine your teeth and look at the X-rays to spot any potential issues that require further attention and provide you with the best treatment recommendations and associated costs.
Our preventative measures and exams help us catch cavities while they are still small. Preventative care can be lifesaving, which is why it is important for you and your family to visit the dentist regularly.
Comprehensive Services
Our family dentistry services encompass a comprehensive array of treatments. Here is a list of some of our family dentistry treatments and services we provide:
- Routine Examinations and Cleanings: Receiving professional cleanings and exams is an essential part of maintaining your oral health.
- Guided Biofilm Therapy: This is a special kind of cleaning that effectively removes biofilm from your teeth, preventing cavities.
- Fillings: If you have a cavity caused by tooth decay, we offer composite fillings to restore the integrity and function of your teeth while maintaining a natural appearance.
- Root Canal Therapy: When the infection reaches the pulp of a tooth, root canal therapy becomes necessary to remove the infected tissue, alleviate pain, and preserve the tooth.
- Extractions: In cases of severe decay, damage, or overcrowding, we perform extractions to remove problematic teeth and prevent further complications.
Dental Crowns and Bridges: We provide custom-made dental crowns and bridges to cap damaged teeth, or replace missing teeth for optimal function and aesthetics.
Our Sedation Dentistry Options
Going to the dentist is stressful for many patients. Sometimes, dental anxieties and fears can keep people from going to the dentist’s office, which is dangerous to your dental and overall health. Without routine general dentistry visits, you could end up with periodontal diseases, damaged teeth, and more.
With sedation dentistry, you can feel more at ease. These options ensure you get the dental care you need and that the process goes more smoothly.
Torrey Dental offers two types of sedation dentistry:
- Nitrous oxide: Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide helps you relax, but you’ll still be conscious the entire time.
- Oral sedation: We also provide oral sedation. For this type of sedation dentistry, you’ll take a light sedative in the form of a pill. You won’t be put under and will recover from the sedative soon after the treatment.
Dental sedation is an option for general dentistry services, such as cleanings, as well as for most of our other procedures. For more information about sedation dentistry, you can contact one of our friendly staff members.
Benefits of Family Dentistry at Torrey Dental in Pullman, WA
Family and general dentistry offers numerous benefits for individuals and families. You can expect dentists who care and a high priority on your well-being from our office in Pullman, Washington.
Convenience
One of the primary benefits of family dentistry is convenience. Instead of visiting multiple dental offices for different family members, you can schedule appointments for everyone at the same place. This saves you time and minimizes the hassle of going to multiple appointments.
Comprehensive Care
Our treatments are entirely comprehensive, which means we can treat young children all the way to seniors, with personalized plans for them. Now you can receive care for any oral health concerns you have all in one place, and address multiple family member’s needs.
Personalized Treatment
At Torrey Dental, we understand that each family member has unique dental needs and concerns. We provide personalized treatment plans tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient. Our plans are detailed and created with the help of the patients. Our approach is not a “one size fits all” for oral health and dentistry.
Established Relationships
Family dentistry fosters long-term relationships between patients and their dental care providers. We believe in building trust and rapport with our patients which provides a more comfortable and less intimidating dental experience.
Preventative Care
Regular visits to the family dentist enable early detection and prevention of dental problems. During routine exams, we can identify issues such as cavities, gum disease, and oral abnormalities in their early stages when they’re easier to treat.
Patient Education
Dr. Torrey places a strong emphasis on patient education and preventative care. Dr. Torrey and his dental team provide guidance on proper oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices that promote optimal oral health. By educating patients about the importance of oral hygiene and preventive measures, we can empower families to take control of their dental health and prevent future problems.
Continuity of Care
With family dentistry, you can rest assured that your family’s dental records and treatment history are centralized in one place. This ensures continuity of care, allowing our dental team to track changes in oral health over time and provide consistent, coordinated treatment.
At Torrey Dental, we offer convenience, comprehensive care, personalized treatment, and a focus on prevention that benefits individuals and families of all ages.
By choosing Torrey Dental, you can prioritize your family’s oral health and lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles!
Patient Education and Empowerment
At Torrey Dental, we believe in empowering our patients with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain optimal oral health between visits. Our team takes the time to educate patients on proper oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices that contribute to a healthy smile.
We’re here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and partner with you in achieving your oral health goals.
Tips For Good Dental Health
Along with coming into our office for cleanings and exams, you can also keep your teeth in good condition through dental hygiene habits.
Here are some simple tips and reminders on how to maintain good oral hygiene:
- Brush twice daily: Make sure that your brush is in circular, back-and-forth motions. You must brush every surface of all of your teeth.
- Floss daily: While some people don’t like to floss, you can make it easier by using options like water picks.
- Avoid certain foods: It is best to avoid staining foods like coffee, tea, wine, and candies with lots of dyes.
For more tips on keeping your teeth healthy, ask us at your next appointment.
The Difference between Preventative, Restorative and Cosmetic Dental Treatments
Understanding the difference between preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry can help individuals make informed decisions about their dental care needs. Here is a breakdown of each:
1. Preventative Dentistry:
Preventative dentistry focuses on maintaining oral health and preventing dental issues before they occur or progress. The primary goal is to stop problems such as cavities, gum disease, and enamel wear before they require extensive treatment.
These treatments include regular check-ups and cleanings, dental hygiene education, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants.
2. Restorative Dentistry:
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing or replacing damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. The goal is to restore function, integrity, and aesthetics of the teeth while also improving oral health and well-being.
These treatments can include fillings, dental crowns, bridges, dental implants, root canals, and dentures.
3. Cosmetic Dentistry:
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of teeth, gums, and smiles. While not always necessary for oral health, cosmetic procedures can enhance self-confidence and overall quality of life by creating a more attractive smile.
These treatments could include teeth whitening, dental veneers, dental bonding, gum contouring, and orthodontic treatments.
While each part of dentistry serves a distinct purpose, they often intersect to provide comprehensive care that addresses both function and aesthetic concerns. At Torrey Dental, Dr. Marcus Torrey uses a balanced approach that incorporates preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry that can help individuals achieve and maintain a beautiful smile for years to come!
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Dentistry
Are you searching for a family dentist in Pullman, Washington? Family and general dentistry encompass a wide range of dental services tailored to meet the needs of patients of all ages, from children to seniors!
Whether you’re looking for routine check-ups, cosmetic procedures, or emergency care having your questions answered is important. Here are some commonly asked questions about family dentistry.
What is family dentistry?
Family dentistry focuses on providing comprehensive oral care to patients of all ages. Unlike specialized dentists who may only treat certain age groups, family dentists are equipped to handle the dental needs of children, teenagers, adults, and seniors! Family dentists offer a wide range of services, including routine exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and more.
Why choose a family dentist?
Choosing a family dentist in Pullman, WA offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides convenience for families by allowing them to schedule appointments for multiple family members on the same day. Additionally, family dentists build long-term relationships with their patients, which fosters trust and continuity of care.
When should children start seeing a dentist?
We recommend that children should have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Early dental visits help establish good oral hygiene habits and detect any potential issues early on.
How often should I visit the dentist?
The frequency of dental visits varies depending on individual needs and oral health status. However, we recommend visiting the dentist every six months for routine check-ups and cleanings. These regular appointments help prevent dental problems and allow our dentist to detect and treat issues early.
More frequent visits may be necessary for patients with specific dental concerns or conditions, such as gum disease or a history of cavities.
What can I expect during a dental visit?
During a typical dental visit at Torrey Dental, Dr. Torrey will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and mouth. Our dental staff will also conduct a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, our dental staff will discuss findings and recommend at-home oral care to maintain optimal dental health.
What is the difference between a family dentist and a pediatric dentist?
A general and family dentist is trained in dealing with both adult’s and children’s needs. They provide families with more treatment options, decreasing the need for referrals. A pediatric dentist undergoes an additional two to three years of training to specifically deal with children’s behavior and special dental needs.
Is fluoride safe?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, and air. Almost all water contains some level of fluoride and it is added to many public water supplies in hopes it will help prevent cavities in the population.
Flouride consumed in large amounts, can be toxic. Toothpaste has high amounts of fluoride and should not be swallowed. Fluoride is recommended for both children and adults in the appropriate and safe amounts.
What should I look for when choosing a family dentist?
When selecting a family dentist, consider factors such as their qualifications, experience, range of services offered, office location, and payment options. It is also important to choose a dentist who makes you and your family feel comfortable, with care that matches your needs.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes, dental X-rays are safe when performed with appropriate precautions. At Torrey Dental, we use modern dental X-ray equipment that is safe and effective for our patients. X-rays allow us to diagnose dental problems and monitor oral health.
What should I do if I experience a dental emergency?
If you experience a dental emergency such as a toothache, chipped or broken tooth, knocked-out tooth, or severe oral injury, contact our office as soon as possible for guidance.
How can I prepare my child for their first dental visit?
To prepare your child for their first dental visit, talk to them about the importance of taking care of their teeth and visiting the dentist. Use positive language and reassure them that the dentist is there to keep their smile healthy and beautiful! Reading books about the dentist is also a great way to introduce the dentist to your child.
Does dental insurance cover family dentistry services?
Many dental insurance plans cover family dentistry services, including preventative care, restorative treatments, and other dental procedures. Coverage may vary depending on the specific plan and provider. The best way to learn about what your insurance covers is by discussing things with your provider, not your dentist.
Why Choose Torrey Dental for Your General Dentistry Needs
At Torrey Dental, your bright, healthy smile is our top priority. Of course, you’ll only smile if you’re proud of your smile and satisfied with your care. That’s why we take the time to listen to your needs and concerns.
Not only do we listen to your concerns, but we use gentle, efficient cleaning techniques. We also have a highly trained dental staff that is invested in meeting all your dental needs from calming anxieties to teaching good habits.
Give Us a Call To Set Up a Cleaning!
With our state-of-the-art technologies, including Guided Biofilm Therapy, dental cleanings, and other general services are easier and faster than ever.
By coming to see us regularly, you can deter more severe and painful dental problems, such as periodontal disease. So, whether you need a cleaning or a more involved restoration, Dr. Torrey and our staff are here to help. Contact our office to set up an appointment.