General Dentistry

During your visit, we listen to your concerns, evaluate your teeth and gums, and use digital X-rays or other imaging when needed. Our office also uses technology such as CBCT scanning, digital impressions, laser dentistry, and CEREC Same-Day Dentistry to support efficient, comfortable care.

Whether you need a routine exam, preventive treatment, restorative care, or help with an urgent toothache, our team works to make your visit clear and manageable. When advanced specialty care is needed, we can coordinate with trusted specialists and help you understand the next steps.

General dentistry focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating common oral health problems. Routine dental care can help identify cavities, gum disease, bite concerns, tooth wear, and other problems before they become more complicated.

At Gwendolyn Kines-McLeod, DDS, PLLC, we combine preventive care with restorative treatment to help patients protect their natural teeth and maintain long-term oral health. We also provide guidance on home care so patients can support their smiles between appointments.

Your appointment is designed to give our team a clear picture of your oral health and to give you time to ask questions.

A typical visit may include:

• A review of your medical and dental history

• An oral cancer screening

• Digital X-rays, when appropriate

• A professional cleaning when appropriate

• An evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite, and existing dental work

• A discussion with the dentist about findings and treatment options

If treatment is recommended, we explain your options and provide a clear plan so you can make informed decisions about your care.

When appropriate, CEREC Same-Day Dentistry may allow us to design and place a dental crown in a single visit. We also provide home care and recovery instructions after more involved procedures.

General dentistry includes treatments designed to prevent oral health problems and repair teeth when damage occurs.

Fillings can restore teeth affected by cavities, while crowns can strengthen and protect weakened teeth. Inlays and onlays may be used to repair larger areas of damage while preserving healthy tooth structure.

For patients with gum concerns, we provide care to reduce inflammation and support healthier gum tissue. Sealants can help protect children's molars from decay, while custom mouthguards can help protect teeth during sports.

Early diagnosis often gives patients more treatment options. When a problem requires care outside the scope of general dentistry, our team can coordinate a referral to an appropriate specialist.

Daily habits play an important role in preventing cavities and gum disease. We recommend:

• Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste

• Flossing daily or using interdental brushes when appropriate

• Limiting sugary drinks and frequent snacking

• Choosing water more often than sweetened beverages

During your appointment, our team can review your brushing and flossing technique and recommend changes based on your individual needs.

For children, we can also discuss age-appropriate preventive care, including fluoride varnish when appropriate. If you use a night guard, we can evaluate its fit and determine whether adjustments are needed.

Modern dental technology can help us diagnose problems more clearly and streamline certain treatments.

Digital X-rays provide detailed images while typically using less radiation than traditional film-based dental X-rays. A CBCT scanner can create three-dimensional images when additional detail is needed for diagnosis or treatment planning.

Digital impressions can replace traditional impression material in some situations, helping create accurate digital models of the teeth and bite. Laser dentistry may also be used for certain types of focused gum care.

With CEREC Same-Day Dentistry, eligible patients may receive a custom dental crown in a single appointment. Digital scans and design technology help us create restorations that fit the tooth and bite while matching the surrounding smile as closely as possible.

When imaging is used, our team can review the results with you and explain what we are seeing.

You do not need to wait until something hurts to schedule a dental visit. Routine exams can help identify developing problems before they cause noticeable symptoms.

You should also contact our office if you experience concerns such as a toothache, new sensitivity, a damaged tooth, gum discomfort, or another unexpected dental problem. We provide emergency guidance and, when possible, work to accommodate urgent dental needs.

Call our office or request an appointment online to schedule your next dental visit. Our team can also help answer questions about routine care, dental technology, or CEREC same-day crown options before your appointment.