Dr. Leonard Hess is a family dentist, focusing on providing high-quality care for patients of all ages. General dentistry is one of Dr. Hess’s primary dental services to the public.
Dr. Hess provides dental cleanings and preventive care. He also specializes in restorative services like dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and TMJ therapy. We build lasting relationships with our patients and help them understand their options to achieve a healthy smile.
General Dentistry Services in Monroe, NC
General family dentistry is at the heart of our Charlotte area dentist office. Routine visits help prevent serious dental problems such as periodontal disease and tooth decay. Your routine visit includes a cleaning, fluoride treatment, and x-rays. You’ll also get helpful tips to care for your teeth, so they stay comfortable and last a long time.
Your First Dentist Visit
New patients are often amazed by the amount of time given to them at their dental visits. Monroe dentist Dr. Hess will check your teeth and entire mouth, including the gums and jaw joints. He will screen for oral cancer, periodontal disease, and dental caries. We’ll take diagnostic x-rays, along with any other imaging needed, to thoroughly update your dental records.
Dr. Hess will take the time to talk with you about your dental health, concerns, goals, and past dental experiences. He will create a personalized plan to bring you to optimal oral health and achieve your cosmetic goals.
Compassionate Care
Many of Dr. Hess’s patients in Monroe, NC have avoided the dentist for years because they felt anxious. They are generally embarrassed by their teeth and fear their treatment will be painful, lengthy, and expensive. Dr. Hess understands the real fear people experience and strives to make each patient as comfortable as possible.
Dr. Hess’s Charlotte area dentist office is a relaxing environment. You’ll have the dentist’s full attention. We see only one patient at a time, so you can discuss your goals, concerns, and treatment options without feeling rushed.
Payment & Dental Insurance Information
We work for our patients, not an insurance company. Our planning begins with what is best for your long-term health, not the bottom line of your insurance company.
Before you start treatment with Dr. Hess, our staff will present you with a detailed plan that reflects your costs. As a courtesy, we will file insurance claims on your behalf and work with you to maximize your benefits. We offer a range of payment options, including financing through CareCredit.
Diet and Oral Health
What you eat and drink is a big part of your oral health. What you eat affects your dental health. Some foods protect your teeth and gums, while others can harm them. Eating and drinking the proper things can keep your smile straight.
Things to Help Oral Health
Calcium and Vitamin D are two of the most important nutrients for your teeth. Calcium strengthens bones and tooth enamel, the protective outer layer on your teeth.
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium better. These nutrients are vital. They keep your teeth strong and stop bacteria from creating cavities and decay.
Vitamin C is one of the most important nutrients for gums. It’s vital for collagen production, which keeps tissue full and healthy. Keeping gum tissue full and strong helps hold teeth in place. Less inflammation in the gum tissue makes it less likely to succumb to infections.
Fresh, fibrous fruits and vegetables are some of the best things for your oral health. They act like natural toothbrushes, getting between your teeth and dislodging food particles. They also require a lot of chewing to break down, which creates a lot of saliva.
Saliva is crucial to washing away bacteria and food particles from your teeth. It also neutralizes acids that contribute to tooth decay and infection in your mouth.
Staying properly hydrated is incredibly important. Saliva helps protect your mouth. When you don’t have enough saliva (dry mouth), you have a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. When you drink and eat things high in sugar and acids, water can help lessen their impact on your smile.
Things to Avoid for Your Smile
The two biggest things that can harm your smile are sugar and acid. When you eat a lot of sugar, it attracts harmful bacteria in your mouth. They feed on these bacteria and emit an acidic byproduct that causes tooth decay. If you’re constantly picking at sugary foods and drinks throughout the day, it exposes your teeth to acid without giving them a break.
Acidic foods, in general, increase the likelihood of tooth decay. They increase the rate at which your tooth enamel erodes. If you eat things that are both sugary and acidic, it’s the worst thing for your teeth. Though brushing your teeth is normally helpful, you should wait 30 minutes after eating acid, or you can increase the erosion rate.
General Dental FAQs
General dentistry encompasses many different things. Learn more about general dentistry by exploring the answers to frequently asked questions.
What do I do if I chip a tooth?
If you recently experienced damage to your tooth that caused it to break and chip, refrain from using the tooth. It’s best to visit the dentist as soon as possible to repair the damage before it worsens. DO NOT try to reattach the chipped part. Call your local dentist in Monroe, NC, to schedule an appointment to fix your tooth immediately.
Can a general dentist provide advanced TMJ Disorder treatments?
A general dentist can treat bite and jaw disorders with the proper equipment, certifications, and training. No official group governs TMJ treatment, so always ask for your provider’s certifications. Our general dentist is trained and certified in treating advanced bite disorders, including TMJ and TMD.
What do I do if my gums bleed when brushing my teeth?
If your gums occasionally bleed when you brush your teeth, you might be brushing too vigorously. Try a gentle approach and use a soft toothbrush. Brushing your teeth with a hard-bristle toothbrush can also cause gums to bleed because it can cause microscopic cuts.
However, you may have gum disease if your gums bleed every time you brush your teeth. Regular bleeding gums is a very common sign of gum disease.
How often should I visit the dentist?
You should visit the dentist at least twice yearly. This allows us to monitor changes and developments in our oral health. We clean plaque and tartar out of areas you may not be able to reach at home, helping prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Dental experts can also discover warning signs of various conditions before you may notice them on your own. Early intervention offers a better chance of treatment.
What’s the most common dental problem?
The most common dental problem for all ages is tooth decay. The average American adult has around three dental fillings in their mouth. Cavities are something that almost every person will experience in their lifetime.
You can help combat this by diligent oral hygiene at home and regularly visiting our office. We have technology that will help detect tooth decay in its earliest stages.
How do I prepare for my dental exam?
Make sure that you brush and floss before your dental exam. This eliminates debris and extra obstacles for your hygienist at your appointment. Get to the office a little bit early for your appointment.
If you have any questions or worries about your appointment, please tell us. We want to help ease your concerns right away.
Visit Our Monroe Dentist Office
Whether you are new to the area and trying to find a dentist or simply looking to make a change, consider Dr. Leonard Hess. Call us at 980-351-6796 or schedule an appointment online.