General Dentistry

Our dental office is devoted to general and family dentistry. As your primary dental care provider, we are responsible for the general diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and management of a wide range of dental conditions, disorders, and diseases that affect the teeth, gums, jaw, and face. We provide the coordination of services related to the oral health needs for patients of all ages so everyone in your entire family can visit our practice.

General dentistry includes:

• Preventive care visits
• Restorative services like fillings, crowns, and bridges
• Fitting and placement of dentures
• Pediatric treatment
• Root canal therapy

With a highly educated, well-trained team, we will develop the best course of treatment for your complete dental needs.

Finding the Perfect Dentist
Selecting the right person to care for your family's dental health takes careful consideration. A good dentist combines clinical expertise with warmth and a genuine concern for patients. Points to consider:

• Are your goals, concerns, and ultimate satisfaction seen as important?
• Can you count on the dentist to focus on keeping your teeth healthy and strong?
• Did the doctor obtain his degree from a well-respected school?
• Does the dentist explain things in a way that makes sense to you, and in enough detail?
• Does the dentist include you as part of the team in making a decision for your care?
• Has the dentist been in practice enough time for you to feel comfortable about your treatment?
• Have you heard positive feedback about this doctor and practice?

Questions about General Dentistry

Why do I need to visit every six months if I don't have any problems?
Preventive care is less expensive than repairing damage. Certain problems, like gum disease and early signs of decay, offer few warning signs. Regular visits allow us to monitor your oral health and catch any issues before they become big trouble.

How is a filling different from a crown?
Made from composite resin, tooth-colored fillings replace decay that only impacts a small portion of the tooth. With severe damage, you will likely need a dental crown, which fits securely over the remaining tooth structure and completely covers the tooth.

When should my child first visit the dentist?
Although the American Dental Association recommends starting visits when children get teeth, usually at age one, we often find that kids do best around three years old.  Although 3 yrs old is generally a good rule of thumb, at Laser Dentistry of Erie, we suggest you start bringing your little one along as early as possible to start getting them comfortable in our environment.  The dental office can be a scary place to your child with all the smells and equipment.  And although your youngster may not allow us to perform a complete examination, we can at least start builting a comfortable relationship with your child so that as he or she ages, a trip to the dentist will be "no big deal."  

I have metal fillings. Should I replace them?
At one time, amalgam fillings were the standard for restoring teeth. Now, most dentists prefer composite fillings. These fillings are strong, match your natural tooth color, and don't contain any metal.  If your old fillings aren't causing you problems, you may choose to leave them in place.  Contrary to some reports, research has proven that these fillings cause no significant harm if left in place.  However, if you want more aesthetic restorations, talk with your doctor about composite fillings as a replacement option.

General Dentistry

Dental Implant Restorations
Dental Bonding
Intraoral Camera
Digital Imaging
Complete and Partial Dentures
The Wand Computerized Anesthesia Delivery System
White Fillings
Dental Crowns and Bridges
Tooth Extractions
New Patient Exam