General Dentistry is the foundation of our Jacksonville dental office. Dr. Alexander is a family dentist in Jacksonville, FL. He and his dental team provide quality, attentive, and comprehensive care for the entire family. We offer a complete suite of general dental services for our patients of all ages.
General Dental Services
Dental Fillings: You should address tooth cavities as soon as your dentist discovers them, or you will start feeling tooth pain. Alexander Dentistry uses the most modern, metal-free dental fillings. He can provide composite resin or porcelain dental fillings in a single visit. The main difference between composite resin and porcelain is longevity.
Porcelain fillings are much stronger and do not require future touch-ups. We can color-match composite resin and porcelain tooth fillings so they blend in seamlessly, unlike metal fillings.
Emergency Dentistry: If you’re experiencing tooth or jaw pain in Jacksonville, contact us immediately. We reserve times for dental emergencies. From toothaches to major mouth trauma, Dr. Alexander can help.
Periodontal Therapy: In our dental office, we can address and treat bleeding gums, gingivitis, and gum disease. Many factors contribute to poor gum health, so we don’t judge. Address this issue promptly to prevent infections and diseases from causing tooth loss and other health issues.
TMJ Treatment: Jaw pain, frequent headaches, and teeth-grinding symptoms are all signs of a Temporomandibular joint disorder. Dentists also call this disorder TMD.
Tooth Extractions: We aim to save your natural tooth whenever possible, but sometimes removal may be the best option. We offer tooth extractions and wisdom tooth removal in Jacksonville and surrounding areas.
Root Canal procedure: Unaddressed cavities can cause tooth decay that reaches the root. A root canal procedure is the best treatment in this case. Fortunately, today’s root canal procedures are virtually painless.
Pediatric Dentistry: We treat patients of all ages. Bringing in your children as early as three years old can help promote good oral health and build a trusting dentist-patient relationship. This helps reduce dental anxiety and prevents your child from developing a fear of the dentist.
Sedation Dentistry: We offer the benefits of sedation dentistry for patients with dental anxiety and fears. Oral conscious sedation will keep you relaxed throughout your dental visit.
Your First Appointment With Us
The initial preventative care appointment for adult patients with our dentist involves a comprehensive dental exam. Dr. Alexander will review your health history, discuss your concerns, and examine your teeth.
The dental exam is thorough and consists of:
- Checking all your teeth for decay and defective fillings.
- Examining your mouth for oral cancer and gum disease.
- Taking the necessary diagnostic x-rays.
Our registered dental hygienist will perform the dental cleaning. After reviewing your exam results, Dr. Alexander will explain his findings and recommend the best treatment for you. The plan will include detailed information, such as the time and cost associated with your treatments.
Preventive Dental Care
The goal of general dentistry is to treat problems in their earliest stages. We accomplish this by establishing a regular schedule of dental cleanings and exams. Dr. Alexander will recommend an oral health routine that best suits each patient’s needs and goals. Many patients only need to visit every six months, but others may benefit from more regular visits.
Routine visits enable us to recommend the most conservative treatment methods for our patients. This means we preserve the natural teeth more often and save the patient from potentially expensive and uncomfortable procedures.
Dentistry For Children in Jacksonville, FL
General dentistry and regular dental cleanings are essential to the health of children and teens. As a family dentist, Dr. Alexander offers dental services for children, including preventive appointments starting at age 3.
We help parents with kids’ dental care, from teaching good brushing habits to advice on thumb sucking, braces, and wisdom teeth.
The Importance of Preventative Care
Preventative dental care requires steps at home and regular dental office visits. Practicing only one of those habits isn’t enough to maintain a healthy smile. At home, brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.
If possible, brush your teeth after every meal. Regular brushing and flossing at home prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth. They remove food particles and bacteria, ensuring they don’t accumulate in your mouth.
However, you still need to visit the dentist as well. Reaching certain areas of your mouth with a standard toothbrush can be difficult. Our office has specialized dental tools designed to access these more challenging areas.
Even if you brush diligently at home, plaque and tartar still build up in the places you can’t reach. You can be at a high risk for tooth decay and gum disease, even if you brush after every meal.
We also conduct thorough oral exams when you visit our office. Early signs of oral cancer and gum disease can be easy to overlook without a professional exam. They aren’t painful, so many patients don’t even realize there’s a problem until it worsens. We use X-rays and other tools to spot hidden problems between teeth and below the gums.
Early detection and intervention mean that we can keep treatment less expensive. It’s also less invasive, so your treatment options are more comfortable. Ensuring your teeth are clean makes you less susceptible to serious dental problems. It’s much easier to treat a mild cavity than a tooth that has completely rotted due to infection.
Diet and Oral Health
Your diet plays a crucial role in maintaining your oral health. Certain vitamins and minerals are essential for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. Calcium and Vitamin D are two of the most vital. Calcium strengthens tooth enamel to fight decay, and vitamin D helps your body use calcium effectively.
Phosphorus is also essential for tooth development and repair. Foods like dairy products, leafy greens, eggs, lean meats, and fish can help you get enough of these.
Fibrous fruits and vegetables almost act like a natural toothbrush for your teeth when you eat them. They help clean out other food debris that may get stuck between teeth in your mouth. It takes a lot of chewing to break down these foods, too, leading to increased saliva production.
Saliva is essential for washing bacteria and debris away from your smile while also neutralizing acids in the mouth. Drinking water regularly is also beneficial, especially if you’re taking medication that causes dry mouth as a side effect.
Acidic foods and those high in sugar are the worst things for your smile. Harmful oral bacteria primarily feed on sugars. They then release an acidic byproduct that wears away at your tooth enamel, starting cavities. If you add acidic foods to the mix, too, they wear through the enamel even faster.
If you consume these things, rinse your mouth with water afterward. Avoid brushing for 30 minutes after acidic foods. Although brushing is beneficial for your mouth, brushing too soon after acid exposure can increase enamel erosion.
General Dentistry FAQs
General dentistry provides the foundation of your oral health. Read the answers to these questions and learn more.
How often should I visit the dentist?
Most people should see a dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning. These visits help catch problems early and prevent more serious issues from developing. Dr. Alexander may recommend more frequent visits if you have gum disease, a history of cavities, or other concerns. Regular dental visits are crucial for maintaining long-term oral health.
What happens during a dental checkup?
A dental checkup typically includes an examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth, as well as a professional cleaning. Dr. Alexander will check for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and signs of other dental problems. We may take X-rays to see what’s happening beneath the surface. You’ll also receive advice on brushing, flossing, and oral hygiene.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes, modern dental X-rays are very safe and use minimal radiation. Digital X-rays further reduce radiation exposure compared to traditional film. Dentists use protective aprons and follow strict safety protocols to ensure your safety. X-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool that helps Dr. Alexander detect issues early.
What’s the difference between a cleaning and a deep cleaning?
Regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar above the gumline. You usually get this every six months. A deep cleaning removes hidden plaque and tartar below your gums and smooths the tooth roots to help your gums heal.
Patients often need deep cleanings when gum disease is present. Dr. Alexander will determine which type of cleaning you need.
Are fluoride treatments necessary?
Fluoride helps protect teeth from cavities, especially in kids and high-risk patients. The treatment is quick and painless, and dentists usually provide it during a routine cleaning. We will recommend fluoride based on your oral health and risk factors. It’s a safe and effective preventive measure.
How does oral health affect overall health?
Poor oral health is connected to serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Inflammation and bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body. Taking care of your mouth is an important part of your overall health. Regular dental visits can help catch signs of systemic issues early.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Our patients often tell us that a visit to Alexander Dentistry is unlike any other dental experience. Our comprehensive approach is a key factor in our success in delivering healthy, beautiful smiles. Contact our dental office in Southside Jacksonville, FL, to schedule your consultation with Dr. Alexander.