The Woodlands General Dentist for Every Situation
General Dental Care in The Woodlands from Dr. Nikita Vakil
General dentistry in The Woodlands, also known as preventative care, is at the heart of everyone’s oral health journey. It provides opportunities to monitor and adjust for the effects of habit and lifestyle on teeth, gums, and the mouth in general. With regular x-rays, six-month checkups and cleanings, and fluoride treatments that strengthen the ability to fight off decay-causing bacteria, general dentistry can catch problems early before they become issues requiring extensive and expensive treatment. Dr. Nikita Vakil and her expert team make you feel like you aren’t just another number, they get to know you and your specific needs for your best dental health.
Comprehensive Exams
Dr. Vakil will conduct a comprehensive examination, checking for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, oral cancer, and other potential issues. We utilize the latest technology to ensure that nothing is overlooked, and we take the time to discuss our findings with you, offering personalized advice on maintaining your oral health. Our exams go beyond just your teeth and gums; we consider your overall health, recognizing the connection between oral health and general wellness. We want all of our patients to stay healthy, happy and well for a lifetime of beautiful smiles.
Oral Cancer Screenings
At every appointment, Dr. Vakil and the team will carefully examine your lips, gums, tongue, and mouth interior for any signs of developing oral cancer. Smokers and heavy alcohol users tend to be the most at risk for oral cancer, so please tell Dr. Vakil about any concerns in those regards. Detecting oral cancer early can get you to our specialist quickly and treat conservatively.
Dental X-rays
X-rays are an essential part of complete and effective dental care. Dr. Vakil makes use of immediate, digital X-rays to help identify developing issues and guide you through recommended treatment, as well as panoramic X-rays that provide a full picture of your overall dental structure for an accurate record of where your dental has been and where it goes in the future.
Dental Hygiene
Time spent with our friendly and highly skilled dental hygienists is one of the most important times you’ll spend at Dr. Vakil’s office. In addition to helping Dr. Vakil identify potential issues, hygienists are an excellent source of homecare tips and perform the extensive cleanings that reset the stage for conscientious dental health habits.
Fluoride Treatments
You’ve probably heard quite a bit about fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral that can reinforce tooth enamel. It provides a protective shield that prevents bacteria from lodging in the crevices of teeth that can promote tooth decay. In a fluoride treatment, your dental hygienist will brush a protective layer of fluoride directly onto your teeth.
Mouthguards
There are two types of custom-molded mouthguards Dr. Vakil prescribes and fits for patients: custom sports guards for patients who engage in recreational activities that may result in mouth trauma and mouthguards for those who involuntarily grind their teeth, often during sleep. Grinding can lead to both tooth damage and painful jaw conditions.
Dental Sedation
For patients who experience dental anxiety, Dr. Vakil is certified to offer both nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation and oral conscious sedation (which involves taking a sedative via the mouth). Either of these methods reduces anxiety, allowing treatment to proceed smoothly without tension for the patient.