General dentistry forms the foundation of your oral health, addressing everything from routine checkups to essential treatments that keep your smile healthy and functional. At Lotus Dental Associates, we provide comprehensive Fort Mill dental services designed to prevent problems before they start and address concerns with the care and precision you deserve.
Your teeth do more than help you eat and speak. They support your facial structure, contribute to your overall health, and play a significant role in how you feel about yourself. That’s why maintaining them through consistent general dentistry isn’t just about avoiding cavities. It’s about preserving your quality of life.
General dentistry encompasses the preventive, restorative, and diagnostic services that keep your oral health on track. This includes dental cleanings and exams performed at regular intervals, typically every six months. During these visits, we remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing can’t reach, and we check for early signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues.
Beyond cleanings, general dentistry covers treatments like dental fillings to repair cavities, fluoride treatment to strengthen tooth enamel, and digital X-rays to detect problems beneath the surface. We also provide patient education, helping you understand how daily habits impact your oral health and what you can do to protect your teeth between visits.
At Lotus Dental Associates, we take an airway-focused approach to dentistry. This means we consider how oral structures affect breathing, sleep, and overall wellness, not just the health of your teeth and gums. Dr. Nhung Phan evaluates each patient holistically, addressing root causes rather than symptoms alone.
Preventive care saves you time, money, and discomfort in the long run. Regular dental visits allow us to catch small problems early, before they require more extensive treatment. A small cavity discovered during a routine exam can be filled quickly and painlessly. Left untreated, that same cavity can spread, requiring a root canal or even an extraction.
Gum disease follows a similar progression. In its early stage, called gingivitis, it causes minor inflammation and bleeding. With professional cleaning and improved home care, it’s reversible. If it advances to periodontitis, the damage becomes permanent, affecting the bone that supports your teeth. At that point, you may need more intensive gum disease treatment to prevent tooth loss.
Prevention also extends beyond the dental chair. We educate our patients on proper brushing and flossing techniques, dietary choices that support oral health, and lifestyle factors that increase risk for dental problems. Small changes in your daily routine can make a significant difference in how your teeth age over time.
Even with excellent preventive care, most people will need some form of restorative treatment during their lifetime. General dentistry includes procedures that repair damage and restore function to your teeth.
Fillings remain one of the most common restorative treatments. When decay creates a cavity, we remove the damaged portion of the tooth and fill it with a durable, tooth-colored material. This stops the decay from spreading and returns the tooth to its normal shape and strength.
For more extensive damage, dental crowns may be necessary. A crown covers the entire visible portion of a tooth, protecting it from further damage while restoring its appearance and function. We also offer dental bridges to replace missing teeth, preventing the shifting and bone loss that occurs when gaps remain in your smile.
When a tooth becomes infected or severely decayed, root canal therapy can often save it. This procedure removes the damaged nerve tissue from inside the tooth, relieves pain, and allows you to keep your natural tooth rather than having it extracted.
Modern general dentistry relies on technology that makes diagnosis more accurate and treatment more comfortable. At Lotus Dental Associates, we use digital scanning to create precise images of your teeth without the need for messy impressions. We also incorporate the Solea laser for certain procedures, reducing discomfort and healing time.
Our airway-focused approach includes evaluating how oral structures like tongue position and palate development affect breathing and sleep. Dr. Phan has developed a particular interest in tethered oral tissues and airway obstruction, recognizing how these issues impact overall health. This perspective allows us to identify problems that traditional dental exams might miss.
Maintain a healthy smile with regular dental cleanings and exams at Lotus Dental Associates in Fort Mill, SC. We would love to help you.
Strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities with fluoride treatment at Lotus Dental Associates in Fort Mill, SC. Fluoride treatment will help you keep your smile healthy.
Dr. Nhung Phan performs comfortable, laser-assisted frenectomies in Fort Mill, SC to safely remove one or both frenula that are causing a lip- or tongue-tie.
Dr. Nhung Phan offers personalized gum disease treatment based upon your specific needs at Lotus Dental Associates in Fort Mill, SC.
Lotus Dental Associates offers periodontal splinting in Fort Mill, SC, to stabilize loose teeth caused by gum disease, improving your oral function.
Lotus Dental Associates offers safe tooth extractions in Fort Mill for severely decayed or infected teeth. This is a safe procedure we perform to ensure you do not run into any issues down the road.
Your first dental visit at Lotus Dental Associates begins with a comprehensive examination. We review your medical history, discuss any concerns you have, and perform a thorough evaluation of your teeth, gums, and oral tissues. Digital X-rays help us see what’s happening beneath the surface.
Dr. Phan takes time to explain her findings and answer your questions. If treatment is needed, she’ll walk you through your options and help you understand what each procedure involves. We never rush you into decisions, and we’re always available to discuss concerns or clarify recommendations.
For routine cleanings and exams, you can expect a thorough but gentle experience. Our team removes buildup from your teeth, polishes surfaces, and checks for any signs of trouble. We want you to leave feeling confident about your oral health and equipped with the knowledge to maintain it.
General dentistry is about building a relationship with a provider who knows your dental history, understands your concerns, and helps you maintain your smile for years to come. At Lotus Dental Associates, we’re judgment-free and patient-focused, treating you with the compassion and respect you deserve.
Ready to experience the difference comprehensive general dentistry can make? Contact us online to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a healthier smile. You can also learn more about Dr. Phan and our approach to care on our about page.
