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. 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!
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The Benefits of General Dentistry
General dentistry visits and general dentistry have such a high impact on your overall health. When you come in for a general dentistry visit from Dr. Torrey, you:
- Receive custom care based on your oral health
- Participate in preventing tooth decay and periodontal concerns
- Have imaging taken to see potential issues that the eye can’t see
- Are offered education and tips for improving your smile
- Brighten the appearance of your smile with a dental cleaning
- Prevent or catch oral cancer with an oral cancer exam
If you have not seen a dentist in the past 6 months, we want you to come visit our office in Pullman, WA.
DENTAL 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 exams help us catch cavities while they are still small. Dental 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:
GUIDED BIOFILM THERAPY
If you’re like many of our patients, you likely appreciate dental treatments that are not only effective but also comfortable and stress-free. With Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), we offer a modern approach to dental cleanings that emphasizes patient comfort while delivering excellent results.
This innovative treatment uses AIRFLOW® technology tools to remove biofilm, a clear layer of bacteria that can coat your teeth. To learn more about how this exciting treatment works, reach out today.
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.
Fillings are essential to preventing further decay or damage to your smile. Getting a filling while you still have a small cavity is always the best option.
You can schedule an appointment with a dentist at any time if you are experiencing tooth sensitivity or are worried you have a cavity. You don’t need to wait until exactly 6 months from your previous appointment.
Root Canal Therapy
When you have decay on the crown of your tooth, that is a cavity. Sometimes an infection or tooth decay spreads past the crown of your tooth and reaches the root canal, the place where your tooth root sits inside your visible tooth.
When a root canal becomes infected, you will need root canal therapy, sometimes just called a root canal. These are tooth-saving treatments that remove the infected pulp from inside your tooth and fill them. The pain and toothaches from your infected tooth will be alleviated almost immediately.
Extractions
In cases of severe decay, damage, or overcrowding, we perform extractions to remove problematic teeth and prevent further complications.
We also conduct extractions for those who still have baby teeth that need to come out.
If you are interested in wisdom teeth extractions, we will refer you to an oral surgeon who can help you be free from the pain of wisdom teeth.
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.
Dental crowns can also protect teeth after they have had a root canal treatment, protecting them from further infection.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
Sometimes you need a dental deep clean to help out your gums. We offer those and other periodontal disease treatments.
If we notice that you are struggling with gingivitis or sensitive gums, we also have recommendations for care at home. These steps can help you prevent needing a dental deep clean or further treatment.
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.
Embracing Technological Advancement
Biofilm Therapy
Guided Biofilm Therapy makes your visits incredibly comfortable and also incredibly effective. GBT uses a completely safe colored spray to identify the biofilm on your teeth. The airflow therapy uses powder in specific situations to remove plaque and film if necessary.
The airflow therapy is particularly helpful for those who have sensitive teeth. It can even treat periodontal irritation by clearing biofilm from under and around the gumline.
We even have special instruments to treat high amounts of plaque under and around the tooth root. We will use it for gingivitis cases or if you have high plaque build-up.
Imaging and X-Rays
Our intraoral imaging makes it easier to detect every little cavity or weakness that could turn into cavities. This is why X-rays play an essential part in every general dentistry visit you have with Torrey Dental.
Our scanners are very non-invasive and have very little radiation. Our intraoral scanners are placed in your mouth momentarily, taking a 3D picture of your mouth.
Traditional X-rays at our office are still easier than X-rays at a hospital. You can place your chin on the chin rest and then you have an X-ray machine rotate around your smile for just a couple of seconds. These are helpful for us to understand your oral health and also your jawbone health.
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.
A Plan for You
If we notice that there are issues that need treatment during an exam or cleaning, we will consult with you and create a plan that fits your time constraints and budget—while still restoring your smile’s health.
Our team will create a plan that you can visually see using software to show you before and afters, and we will also give you a folder with your different options, prices, and the positives and benefits of each.
Our dentistry is custom to you and your smile!
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:
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, dental sealants, and so much more.
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.
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!
General Dentistry FAQs
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.
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.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A CAVITY?
You may notice a cavity between your regular twice-a-year dental visits. Here are some signs to look out for throughout your day:
- A permanent change in texture on your tooth
- A sensitive tooth
- Discoloration on a tooth
- A slight toothache
- Pain when you eat something sugary
If you notice any of these symptoms, especially for more than a day or two, we invite you to visit us for an X-ray or exam.
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.
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.
Meet Dr. Torrey
Our resident doctor, Dr. Torrey, is a KOIS-educated dentist, meaning that he has some of the highest clinical training in his field. His approach to dentistry is rooted in scientific research and making patients smile.
He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He loves being back home in Pullman, WA, where he grew up.
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.
