Prevent problems today to preserve your smile tomorrow
Check-ups, cleaning and conservative treatments to care for your teeth and gums throughout life.
General dentistry is the starting point for oral care. It detects problems early, treats decay and minor damage, monitors habits and coordinates other specialties when necessary.
At Centre Dental Vilanova, we prioritise prevention and preservation of natural teeth. Each check-up is adapted to the patient’s age, history, habits and risk.
Regular dental check-ups
A check-up assesses teeth, fillings, gums, bite, joints and oral mucosa. We also review changes, symptoms and risk factors requiring tests or monitoring.
How often should you have a check-up?
There is no single interval for everyone. Some people can attend annually; patients with frequent decay, periodontal disease, implants or other risks need closer monitoring.
What may a check-up include?
- Examination of teeth and restorations.
- Assessment of gums and soft tissues.
- Review of bite, wear and jaw joint.
- Radiographs when clinically indicated.
- Personalised hygiene and prevention advice.
- Referral or coordination with another specialty if needed.
Professional dental cleaning
Professional cleaning removes plaque and calculus from areas brushing does not clean adequately. It also allows review of hygiene techniques and adaptation of home care.
Routine cleaning does not replace periodontal treatment when pockets, bone loss or other signs of periodontitis are present. A specific assessment is then required.
Preventing and treating decay
Decay is associated with bacteria, diet, fluoride exposure, saliva and hygiene habits. Some early lesions can be controlled through prevention; a cavity usually requires restoration.
Fillings or restorations
We remove affected tissue and restore the tooth using materials appropriate to its position and size, aiming to regain shape and function and facilitate cleaning.
Tooth reconstruction
Greater structural loss may require a larger restoration. If the tooth is very weak, inlays, crowns or other protective solutions are considered.
Decay between teeth or beneath fillings
Some decay is not directly visible and requires radiographs. Old fillings must also be checked for leakage, fracture or recurrent decay.
Tooth sensitivity
Sensitivity to cold, heat, sweetness or brushing may be related to gum recession, wear, erosion, decay, cracks or recent treatment. Its cause should be identified before recommending a product.
Treatment may include hygiene changes, desensitising products, restorations or other measures according to diagnosis.
Teeth grinding, wear and bite splints
Bruxism involves clenching or grinding, particularly during sleep, although wear may also result from erosion, habits or bite problems. Symptoms vary between individuals.
Possible signs
- Tooth wear or small fractures.
- Pain or fatigue in jaw muscles.
- Discomfort on waking.
- Tooth sensitivity.
- Marks on tongue or cheeks.
- Repeated damage to restorations.
Bite splint
A rigid, custom-made device that can protect teeth and restorations from certain forces. It does not always eliminate the cause of bruxism and requires checks of fit, bite and condition.
Oral mucosal health and early detection
During examination, we check lips, tongue, cheeks, palate and other mucosa. Ulcers, patches, lumps or lesions persisting for approximately two weeks need assessment, especially in smokers or people with other risk factors.
Follow-up or referral for further tests is arranged when necessary.
What does treatment involve?
- Listening and review. We collect symptoms, history, medication and reason for consultation.
- Examination. We assess teeth, gums, tissues, bite and restorations.
- Necessary tests. Radiographs or other records are taken only when indicated.
- Diagnosis and priorities. We explain what needs treatment, what can be monitored and appropriate prevention.
- Conservative treatment. We aim to preserve as much healthy tooth tissue as possible.
- Follow-up. Review frequency reflects individual risk.
Habits to care for your mouth
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between teeth daily.
- Reduce the frequency of sugary foods and acidic drinks.
- Do not smoke.
- Drink water and seek advice for dry mouth.
- Do not wait for pain before a check-up.
- Use splints and dental products as professionally advised.