General Dentistry Q & A

What services does a general dentist provide?

Dr. Bell has over three decades of experience providing general dentistry services to the communities of Alexandria and Washington, DC. During this time, he’s performed thousands of common dental procedures, including:

• Tooth extractions
• Composite fillings
• Tooth restorations
• Cleanings and preventive care
• Dental implants
• Dental crowns and bridges
• Dentures
• Cosmetic dentistry

How do I know if I need a tooth pulled?

Dr. Bell strives to maintain your natural teeth whenever possible. To ensure the most affordable and minimally invasive dental experience, he may try a more straightforward procedure, first. A filling, root canal, or crown may be enough to solve your problem.

However, if there’s not enough healthy tooth surface to complete any of the above procedures, Dr. Bell may suggest extracting the tooth. Sometimes it’s necessary to remove the diseased tooth to prevent infection from spreading to your healthy teeth.

The following conditions often require dental extractions:

• Severe tooth decay
• Fractured teeth
• Intense pain
• Chronic gum disease
• Total mouth rehabilitation

The best way to determine whether you need a tooth extraction is to set up an appointment with Dr. Bell.

What should I expect from my dental extraction procedure?

If you need one or more teeth pulled to protect your healthy smile, there’s no need to be anxious. Dr. Bell starts by numbing the entire area, so all you feel is a bit of pressure. He also offers nitrous oxide sedation for increased comfort and relaxation throughout your procedure.

After he removes your tooth, Dr. Bell discusses options for replacing it. A space in your mouth can cause other teeth to shift as well as other problems. It’s essential to restore a missing tooth as soon as possible.

Dr. Bell replaces teeth with dentures, dental bridges, or implants depending on your needs.

What are the advantages of composite fillings?

Composite fillings are color-matched to your natural teeth, so they blend right in. No one will even know you have a filling because there’s no unsightly silver distracting from your smile.

Regular silver fillings also contain mercury, a toxic substance. Composite fillings are free of mercury and healthier for you. Dr. Bell can even remove your old metal fillings and replace them with composite ones.

If you have a toothache in need of immediate attention, call The Bell Dental Group or book an appointment online today.