General dentists are the primary dental care providers for patients of all ages. Your general dentist is responsible for diagnosing, treating, managing, and coordinating services to meet your oral health needs. Maintaining oral health includes regular check-ups, cleanings, and education on preventative care. 

At Inverness Smiles: John Aiken, DMD, we strive to provide our patients with the highest quality of comprehensive dental care available. Our practice offers dental services, including routine cleanings and exams, fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, root canal therapy, extractions, and more! 

Dental X-rays 

X-rays are an essential part of your dental care. They allow our dentist in Birmingham, AL, to see what is happening inside your mouth and jaw. Without them, it would be like trying to diagnose a problem with your car without being able to see it under the hood. Your dentist needs to be able to visualize your teeth, gums, and bones to diagnose and treat you properly. Digital X-rays in Birmingham, AL, are safer than traditional film X-rays because they expose you to less radiation. They also allow us to see images immediately on a computer screen to get a more accurate diagnosis faster. 

Dental Exams 

Dental exams in Birmingham, AL, are typically performed during your regular checkup appointments. They thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, tongue, jaw, and other oral tissues. The exam helps your dentist check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other issues. Your dentist may recommend an exam every six months or more often if you have specific oral health issues. 

During your exam, your dentist will check your teeth and gums for any signs of decay or damage. They will look for any abnormalities in your bite, such as teeth that are crowded or crooked. They will also examine your soft tissues to check for signs of infection or other problems. 

If our dentist in Birmingham, AL, finds any problems during your exam, they may recommend treatment to correct them. Treatment may include fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, or other procedures. Sometimes, they may also refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. 

Routine Cleaning 

A general dentistry appointment at our practice includes a thorough cleaning. The dentist in Birmingham, AL, will check for cavities and gum disease and evaluate the health of your gums, jaw, tongue, and other oral tissues. Your teeth will be cleaned to remove plaque and tartar and then polished to make them smooth and shiny. If needed, the dentist may apply fluoride or sealants to help protect your teeth from decay. 

Dental cleanings in Birmingham, AL, are recommended every six months. This frequency allows our dentists to monitor your oral health regularly and catch any problems early. It also allows our team to provide professional teeth cleanings and remove any plaque or tartar buildup that brushing and flossing at home may have missed. 

Dental hygiene is essential to maintaining good oral and overall health. Get in touch with Inverness Smiles: John Aiken, DMD, at 5291 Valleydale Rd Suite 129, Birmingham, AL 35242, or call (205) 995-3989 if you notice any problems with your teeth or gums.