Have you scheduled your next dental cleaning? It’s important to get your teeth cleaned and checked every six months. This keeps your teeth healthy and catches any dental problems early before they can become larger issues. At Larsen Family Dental, we offer a full range of general dental care. To help you keep a bright smile, we provide cleanings, fillings, X-rays, root canals, and sealants.
We also go beyond basic dental care to meet the unique needs of your family’s smiles. As a holistic dentist in Bountiful, UT, Dr. Paul Larsen only provides treatments that support your overall health. His dental office in Bountiful, UT, is open to everyone in the community for additional dental services.
General Dentistry in Bountiful, UT
Dr. Larsen understands the importance of having a dentist you can trust in Bountiful, UT. Our team is here to provide reliable care that keeps your smile healthy and beautiful. We handle a wide range of dental needs and offer several specialized services alongside our general dentistry procedures:
Safe Amalgam Removal
Dr. Larsen is trained to safely remove old amalgam fillings, minimizing or eliminating your exposure to metals, including mercury. He uses the SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) protocol. This involves using a high-speed aerosol vacuum and proper air filtration to protect both patients and staff.
For more information on the importance of removing amalgam fillings and the SMART method, read about mercury and your oral health here.
Custom Mouthguards
We offer custom-made mouthguards that fit snugly over your teeth, providing protection during impact sports. They can also help with sleep apnea and teeth grinding. Unlike over-the-counter options, our mouthguards are made specifically for you, ensuring a comfortable fit without the worry of slippage or discomfort.
Emergency Dentistry
When you have a dental emergency, it’s important to know who to call. Larsen Family Dental is here to help with emergency dental care. Whether you have a knocked-out tooth or sudden tooth pain, we are ready to assist you when you need us most.
Family Dentistry
Our team provides family dental care for patients of all ages. We recommend bringing your child to our office when their first tooth appears so we can start teaching good oral hygiene habits early on.
Holistic Dentistry
We focus on your overall health with our holistic dental care. Dr. Larsen offers metal-free, BPA-free restorations, safe removal of amalgam fillings, and advanced technology to reduce radiation exposure. We also use ozone therapy to stop decay and safely sterilize treated areas.
The FDA recently updated their guidelines on the use of mercury in dental fillings, highlighting key groups who should avoid amalgam fillings. These groups include children, pregnant or nursing women, and those with neurological conditions. At our office, we prioritize your long-term health and recommend using metal-free fillings.
Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is especially useful for treating the soft tissues of your mouth, such as gums, cheeks, and tongue. We often use it for gum contouring, which can help if you have a gummy smile by removing extra tissue. Laser dentistry is also a safe and effective way to reduce bleeding after procedures.
Tooth Extraction
Sometimes, you need to remove a tooth, whether it’s a wisdom tooth or because of overcrowding. Larsen Family Dental offers tooth extraction services to safely remove unwanted or diseased teeth. An extraction helps restore the health of your smile by preventing the spread of infection.
General Dentistry FAQs
Can a regular dentist pull a tooth?
Yes, general dentists can usually perform simple tooth extractions. They have the training needed for these procedures. However, more complex cases might require an oral surgeon. But discuss your options and any potential risks with your dentist before assuming what treatments you need.
Can you get a custom mouthguard?
Yes, you can get a custom mouthguard. Dentists make custom mouthguards that fit your mouth perfectly, offering better comfort and protection than store-bought options. To get one, you’ll need to visit a dentist or orthodontist who specializes in making mouthguards. They will take an impression of your teeth to create a custom fit.
Should you replace old amalgam fillings?
Yes, it’s a good idea to replace old amalgam fillings when needed. Over time, these fillings can wear down and may cause problems, such as the release of mercury vapor, which can affect your health. Replacing them with newer fillings can help keep your teeth in the right shape and prevent decay from getting worse. Overall, replacing old amalgams can improve both your health and the look of your smile.
Is it painful to remove amalgam fillings?
Removing amalgam fillings is usually not painful. We numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic, similar to when you first got the filling. You might feel some pressure during the procedure, but it shouldn’t hurt.
After the numbness wears off, you might have some sensitivity or mild discomfort, but this is usually temporary. Be sure to let your dentist know if you have any concerns or feel uncomfortable during the process.
What are the benefits of holistic dentistry?
Holistic dentistry offers many benefits by focusing on your overall health, not just your teeth and gums. It uses nontoxic materials for dental work, like biocompatible materials, and often avoids surgery when possible. This approach leads to less invasive treatments and reduces your exposure to harmful substances. Holistic dentistry aims to find and treat the root causes of dental problems, not just the symptoms, helping to prevent more serious issues down the road.
Are dental lasers better for cavities?
Dental lasers can be a great option because they offer accuracy and precision. They allow for faster, less painful treatments compared to traditional drilling, with fewer side effects. Lasers can target the decayed part of the tooth without harming the healthy tissue around it, and they often reduce the need for local anesthesia.
However, lasers can’t treat all cavities, so traditional methods might still be necessary. Talk with your dentist to find out the best treatment plan for your specific needs.