Have you scheduled your next dental cleaning yet?
It is important that you schedule regular dental cleanings and exams every six months. This ensures that your teeth stay healthy and that underlying dental issues are caught early on.
At Larsen Family Dental, we provide comprehensive general dentistry care, including cleanings, fillings, X-rays, root canals, and sealants to ensure that you maintain a beautiful smile.
Additionally, we go above and beyond the standard general dentistry practices to ensure that the unique needs of your family’s smiles are taken care of. As a holistic dentist in Bountiful, UT, we only offer dental procedures that benefit your overall health. Dr. Larsen also provides more dental services to the public from his office in Bountiful, UT.
General Dentistry in Bountiful, UT
Dr. Larsen understands that you need a dentist you can trust in Bountiful, UT. Our entire team is here to provide you with smile maintenance services that you can rely on to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. We see patients for a wide range of dental needs, so we want to make sure that we are prepared. That’s why we offer the following services along with our standard general dentistry procedures:
Safe Amalgam Removal
Dr. Larsen has the training necessary to offer the safe removal of old amalgam dental fillings. This process is designed to minimize or eliminate your exposure to the metals, including mercury, that are a part of the amalgam compound.
Dr. Larsen follows the SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) protocol when removing your old or damaged metal filling. This process incorporates the use of a high-speed aerosol vacuum and proper air filtration in the room for the safety of both patients and staff.
To learn more about the importance of removing amalgam fillings and SMART, read details here about mercury and your oral health.
Custom Mouthguards
Our office can provide you with a customized mouthguard that fits snuggly over your smile. Custom mouthguards provide protection for your teeth during impact sports. They can also be helpful in treating sleep apnea and teeth grinding. Better than over-the-counter alternatives, our mouthguards are made specifically for you so you don’t have to worry about discomfort or slippage.
Emergency Dentistry
When you experience a dental emergency, it’s important you know who to call. Larsen Family Dental is here to provide you with emergency dentistry solutions. Whether you’re experiencing a knocked-out tooth or sudden tooth pain, we are here to help you when you need us the most.
Family Dentistry
Our whole team is prepared to offer you family dentistry services. We accept patients of all ages. We recommend bringing your child to visit our office at the eruption of their first tooth so that we can begin getting them used to good oral hygiene habits as early as possible.
Holistic Dentistry
Our goal is to take into account all aspects of your health with holistic dentistry. Dr. Larsen offers biocompatible restorations that are free of metals and BPA, safe amalgam filling removal, and the use of advanced technology to limit radiation exposure for his patients. We also offer ozone therapy to halt the progression of decay and to safely sterilize areas of the mouth to be treated.
The FDA has recently issued an updated statement regarding the use of mercury in dental fillings. In this statement, they identified key risk groups that should not receive amalgam fillings. This list includes children, pregnant or nursing women, and patients with pre-existing neurological conditions. Our office has always put the long term health and wellness of patients first and recommends placing metal-free fillings.
Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is especially helpful when dealing with the soft tissues of the mouth like your gums, cheeks, and tongue. We typically use laser dentistry for gum contouring patients. If you have a gummy smile, we can help you get rid of extra tissue. Additionally. laser dentistry is a safe and effective way to reduce post-procedure bleeding.
Sedation Dentistry
If you experience fear of the dentist or dental anxiety, our sedation dentistry options were made for you. We provide patients with a number of sedative options to keep them calm and comfortable throughout our procedures. Dr. Larsen can provide you with a consultation on which type of sedative will best meet your dental anxiety needs.
Tooth Extraction
Occasionally, there is a reason to have a tooth removed. Whether you need a wisdom tooth removed or experience an overcrowded mouth, Larsen Family Dental offers tooth extraction services. Tooth extraction is a safe method of dislodging an unwanted or diseased tooth and restoring the overall health of your smile.
General Dentistry FAQs
Can a regular dentist pull a tooth?
Yes, general dentists can typically pull a tooth. General dentists have the training to perform simple extractions. However, more complex extractions may require an oral surgeon. You should discuss the options and potential risks with your dentist.
Can you get a custom mouthguard?
Yes, you can get a custom mouthguard. Dentists order custom-made mouthguards to fit your mouth specifically. Custom mouthguards will provide better comfort and protection than over-the-counter mouthguards. You will need to visit a dentist or orthodontist specializing in making mouthguards. The dentist or orthodontist will take an impression of your teeth to create a model of your teeth.
Should you replace old amalgam fillings?
Yes, you should replace old amalgam fillings when necessary. Over time, these fillings can deteriorate and cause problems such as leakage of mercury vapor into the body, which can lead to health issues. Replacing old amalgam fillings with newer ones will also maintain the proper shape of your teeth and keep decay from occurring or progressing. Overall, replacing old amalgams will improve your health and aesthetics.
Is it painful to remove amalgam fillings?
The process of removing amalgam fillings is usually not painful. We numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic, much like when you first got the filling. You shouldn’t feel anything more than slight pressure during the procedure. However, after the anesthetic wears off, you might experience some sensitivity or discomfort, but it’s generally minimal and temporary. Remember to communicate with your dentist about any concerns or discomfort you have.
What are the benefits of holistic dentistry?
Holistic dentistry provides numerous benefits. It focuses not just on the teeth and gums but on the person’s entire health and prevention. Holistic dentistry promotes using nontoxic restoration materials for dental work. We use biocompatible materials and many non-surgical treatments. The result is less invasive procedures and less exposure to toxic substances. We want to identify and address the root causes of dental issues, not just the symptoms. Our holistic approach to dental care helps prevent more severe problems.
Are dental lasers better for cavities?
It depends. Dental lasers can be a game-changer for patients and dentists due to the accuracy and precision they offer. Dental lasers provide faster, less painful procedures than traditional drilling techniques. They also have fewer side effects. Their precision is one of their significant benefits; they can target the decayed area of the tooth without affecting the surrounding healthy tissue. Also, lasers often reduce the need for local anesthesia.
Nonetheless, not all cavities are suitable for laser treatment, and a patient may still need some traditional methods. Therefore, it’s important to consult with your dentist to determine the best treatment plan for your needs.