General and Family Dentistry Pittsburgh

One of the foundations of general dentistry treatment is routine cleanings. At our Monroeville office, we help patients from throughout Pittsburgh maintain their dental health with routine dental examinations and cleanings. Though an at-home oral hygiene regimen is an effective way to preserve your smile, plaque buildup and minor gum erosion can still occur. With a professional dental cleaning, we can remove plaque, examine gum tissue, and thoroughly clean the teeth so that they remain healthy and strong. We urge our patients to undergo routine dental cleanings twice yearly for best results.

Digital X-ray examinations are quicker, safer, and more accurate than traditional X-ray exams. For the benefit of our patients, we employ digital radiography X-rays exclusively. This allows us to see beneath the gum line and determine if cavities, infection or pathology is present so that we can take active measures to prevent such complications from becoming worse. We can do this in less time and with far less risk to radiation exposure.

Scaling and root planing are two techniques utilized in periodontal treatment to protect gum tissue and tooth structure. In effect, periodontal treatment is a deep cleaning, similar to a traditional dental cleaning but more comprehensive in its approach. Scaling involves the removal of tartar from the surfaces of teeth, preventing the buildup of harmful bacteria. The root planing technique smoothes the root surfaces beneath the gum line, and removes and tooth structure which may be infected or damaged. These treatments allow Dr. Narcisi to maintain the gums and teeth, preventing the need for extraction or root canal therapy.

If the nerve tissue beneath a tooth becomes infected, it can cause constant pain. If left untreated, it can damage a tooth irreparably, requiring extraction. With root canal therapy, which contrary to popular belief actually causes no significant pain, we can remove the damaged nerve tissue, or pulp, and seal the pocket, preventing further decay and the spread of bacteria. This treatment saves the tooth, eliminates pain, and prevents the need for more extensive treatment in the future.