(512) 249-5555
At Lakeside Dental, we are pleased to develop comprehensive treatment plans to help our patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles that maximize your personal health and appearance. We offer restorative and cosmetic dental procedures, in addition to general dentistry treatments.
General Dentistry in Austin - Routine & Preventative Care
General dentistry involves the diagnosis and treatment of general conditions affecting the teeth, gums, and jaw. General dentists can care for the overall oral health of patients of all ages. At Lakeside Dental we welcome everyone in your family from age 1 to 121!
We believe prevention should be the primary goal, so we aim to identify and treat problems before they become serious, painful, and expensive. Regular six-month check-ups, along with proper home care will result in a healthier mouth and a healthier life.
Prevention
Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. Good oral hygiene continues in the dental office by the efforts of Dr. Morales and the Lakeside Dental hygienist to promote, restore, and maintain your oral health.
A preventive program is a group effort between the patient, Dr. Morales, and the Lakeside Dental staff. We work to preserve the natural character of the teeth by preventing the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions. Prevention is the key to having a healthy, confident, beautiful smile.
Preventive Dental Treatments
- Dental Cleanings
- Dental Exams
- Dental X-rays
- Sealants and Fluoride
- Oral Cancer Screening
- Night and Sport Mouth Guards
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Digital X-rays
- Abscesses or Cysts
- Deep Cavities
- Deep Gum Disease
- Developmental Abnormalities
- Infections in the Jaw Bones
- Small Areas of Decay Between Teeth or Below Existing Restorations
- Some Types of Tumors
Digital X-rays are comfortable for you and faster than traditional X-rays. Digital X-rays allow you to view your images on a computer or TV screen in seconds! Digital x-rays are also safe and can even be used during pregnancy. Some studies show that digital X-rays emit up to 90% less radiation! With no chemical processing needed, digital x-rays are easy on you and the environment, too. A dental X-ray is needed to reveal:
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Sealants
Diligent oral hygiene is essential for preventing cavities, but toothbrushes cannot always reach down into the deepest crevices of teeth. Dental sealants can compensate for this with a resin material that bonds into the grooves of teeth, creating a barrier against food particles, plaque, and acidic food and drink. Sealants can last up to 10 years!
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Fluoride
Fluoride is used to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride strengthens teeth so that they can resist acid and block cavity-forming bacteria. Fluoride usually is prescribed for children and adults whose homes have water that is not fluoridated. Ask Dr. Morales if fluoride would help your teeth.
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Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screening is a routine part of a dental examination. Regular check-ups are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. You may have a very small, but dangerous oral spot or sore and not be aware of it. Dr. Morales carefully examines the inside of your mouth and tongue. If Dr. Morales notices any type of sore he will treat it and ask you to return for re-examination.
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Night Guards
If you’re a teeth-grinder, know that the earlier you catch the damage, the better your prognosis. One excellent way to combat the bothersome habit of nighttime grinding, or bruxism, is to use a night guard at bedtime. If you think the trouble or expense of a dental night guard isn't worth it, or you aren't even entirely sure it's tooth-grinding behind what seem to be increasingly shorter teeth, headaches, and jaw pain, it's probably time to visit Dr. Morales. Based on the amount of damage you may have already done and the symptoms you describe, Dr. Morales can determine whether a night guard is right for you.
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Sports Mouth Guards
An active lifestyle calls for active safety. While helmets, goggles, and knee pads have become standard equipment to protect our bodies, it's important to remember to protect your teeth as well. Mouth guards offer an easy, reliable method to cushion your teeth during athletic and recreational activity. Participating in any physical activity involves a risk of contact with the face and mouth. Although many sports teams require some protective gear, the delicate teeth are often overlooked. Considering that even minor direct force can cause teeth to chip, break, or come loose, a mouth guard is a crucial piece of equipment for all athletic activities. Mouth guards are especially crucial during contact sports such as football, hockey, and boxing. But even non-contact sports such as gymnastics, skating, and mountain biking pose a risk to the teeth. When participating in any activity that may result in injury to the mouth, Dr. Morales recommends that the teeth be properly shielded with some form of dental mouth guard.
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. At Lakeside Dental we highly recommend brushing your teeth in the morning and before going to bed at night. You should use an American Dental Association (ADA) approved toothbrush. Look for a toothbrush that is: small in size and has soft, round-end bristles. Replace your toothbrush every three months.
Flossing is a great way to remove plaque from the interdental regions (between the teeth). Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone. Flossing is an especially important tool for preventing periodontal disease and limiting the depth of the gum pockets. The interdental regions are difficult to reach with a toothbrush and should be cleansed with dental floss on a daily basis. 
