General Dentistry

General dentistry provides all your basic oral health needs, from teeth cleanings and dental X-rays to root canal therapy and extractions. At R&J Dental, a restorative dental clinic in San Antonio, Texas,  general and family dentist Habib Rahemtulla, DDS, and his team offer general dentistry to people of all ages. Call the office today to schedule general dentistry for yourself or your child, or book your appointment online.

My teeth and gums seem healthy. Do I need general dentistry?

Yes. General dentistry is essential, even if your teeth, gums, and mouth seem healthy. 

Many oral health problems, such as cavities and gum disease, develop slowly or don’t present obvious symptoms. Regular checkups with Dr. Rahemtulla help identify problems when they’re easiest to treat.

What services does general dentistry provide?

Dr. Rahemtulla and the team offer various general dentistry services, including:

Oral exams

An oral exam checks the health of your teeth, tongue, and gums.

Dr. Rahemtulla looks for signs of cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer during an exam. If he notices anything unusual, he orders additional tests, such as X-rays or a biopsy. 

Teeth cleaning

Teeth cleaning removes plaque –– a crust of bacteria, food particles, and saliva –– from around your teeth and underneath your gums. 

You need professional teeth cleaning, even if you brush and floss. During treatment, a dental hygienist or dental technician uses handheld laser or ultrasonic tools to access buildup in hard-to-reach areas. 

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)

CBCT takes 3D cross-sectional photos of your mouth. Dr. Rahemtulla uses CBCT X-rays to catch oral health problems like deep decay and tooth pulp damage. CBCT images can also guide certain treatments, such as the placement of dental implants. 

Root canal therapy

Dr. Rahemtulla might recommend root canal therapy if you get hit in the mouth or have a deep cavity.

During root canal therapy, Dr. Rahemtulla removes the pulp –– a mix of nerves and connective tissue –– inside your tooth. Afterward, he cleans out the inside of your tooth (the root canal), fills it with gutta-percha, and covers your tooth with a crown.

Root canal therapy stops the pain, preserves your tooth, and prevents the need for an extraction.

Extractions

Dr. Rahemtulla and the team try to preserve natural teeth whenever possible. But extractions might be necessary if you have a severe cavity or an impacted wisdom tooth that can’t break through your gums. 

Before treatment, Dr. Rahemtulla numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic. Then, he uses dental forceps or other handheld tools to carefully loosen and remove your tooth.

Family dentistry

Family dentistry provides general and preventive oral health care for people of all ages, from infants to senior citizens. Dr. Rahemtulla and the team offer many family dentistry services, including dental sealants, fluoride treatment, and invisible braces.

How often should I invest in general dentistry?

You can reduce your risk of common oral health problems, like cavities, and gum disease, by visiting R&J Dental every six months for general dentistry.

Bi-annual exams and professional teeth cleanings are often enough to keep your smile in top condition. More frequent checkups might be necessary if you have a history of cavities or other oral health problems.

After an exam and discussing your goals, Dr. Rahemtulla and the team can develop a personalized treatment schedule.

Call R&J Dental today to schedule general dentistry, or book your appointment online.