GENERAL DENTISTRY IN KANSAS CITY

When it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, general dentistry is your first line of defense. As a people-first dentistry, we provide personalized, preventive care to keep your mouth in optimal condition. Our goal? To address issues early on, preventing more extensive treatments later.

WHAT IS GENERAL DENTISTRY?
General dentistry involves a wide range of treatments to keep your teeth and gums in their best shape. If you need a routine cleaning or specialized treatment like TMJ treatment in Kansas City, we’re the best general dentistry near you to ensure your smile stays healthy and pain-free.

OUR GENERAL DENTISTRY SERVICES

PREVENTATIVE DENTISTRY

Maintaining a healthy smile starts with proactive care. Brush and floss regularly, and don’t skip your routine exams with our expert dentistry team in South Kansas City. Preventative care helps you avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and more—ensuring your smile stays bright and healthy for years.

  • Prevents tooth decay and gum disease
  • Helps maintain overall oral health
  • Keeps your smile bright and fresh

Stay ahead of dental issues and schedule your next preventative appointment today!

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CLEANINGS AND EXAMS

Regular cleanings and exams are essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Our dentist office provides thorough exams to detect and prevent potential problems early, helping you maintain a stunning smile and strong oral health.

  • Detects issues like cavities and gum disease early
  • Provides a personalized oral health plan
  • Keeps your teeth clean and fresh

Let’s make sure your teeth are in top shape!

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TEETH WHITENING

If you dream of a brighter smile, our professional teeth whitening services are just what you need. Coffee stains, wine stains, and even aging can dull teeth, but our whitening treatments can restore their sparkle.

  • Removes stains from coffee, wine, and aging
  • Quick and effective treatments
  • Helps you achieve a radiant smile

Say goodbye to stains and hello to a radiant smile!

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FILLINGS

If tooth decay has taken a toll on your smile, composite fillings can be an excellent solution. These tooth-colored fillings restore decayed or damaged teeth and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, so your smile looks great.

  • Seamlessly matches your natural teeth
  • Restores strength and function of damaged teeth
  • Prevents further decay

Get your smile back on track with natural-looking fillings from the best dentist in Kansas City, MO!

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ROOT CANALS

Root canals may sound intimidating, but they are essential for relieving severe tooth pain caused by infection or deep decay. Our dentists provide gentle root canal treatment to save your tooth and eliminate discomfort.

  • Relieves pain from severe tooth decay or infection
  • Preserves your natural tooth
  • Gentle, comfortable care

Don’t let pain stop you—get a consultation!

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EXTRACTIONS

An extraction may be necessary to restore oral health if a tooth is damaged, diseased, or causing crowding. The experienced team at Dental Care Center of South Kansas City ensures the procedure is as comfortable as possible. We’ll numb the area around the tooth and then carefully remove it. A small amount of bleeding is normal and will heal naturally.

  • Removes damaged, diseased, or crowded teeth
  • Performed with local anesthesia for comfort
  • Natural healing process

If you need an extraction, we’re here to help.

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EMERGENCY CARE

Dental emergencies can strike anytime, and our team is here for you. From sudden toothaches to injuries, we offer prompt, expert care to address any urgent dental issue you face. Trust us to prioritize your comfort with methods to alleviate pain.

  • Immediate assistance for toothaches, broken teeth, and more
  • Fast and effective care
  • Experienced team ready to help

In pain? We’re here to help—call us now for emergency dental care at (816) 941-7788!

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ORAL CANCER SCREENINGS

Catch potential oral cancer early with our thorough screenings. We examine your mouth for signs of abnormalities, such as lesions or swellings, giving you peace of mind and the best chance for early intervention.

  • Early detection of potential issues
  • Comprehensive screening for oral cancer signs
  • Peace of mind and early intervention

Stay proactive about your health—get an oral cancer screening.

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SEALANTS

Dental sealants provide an extra layer of protection to help prevent cavities and decay. We apply a smooth plastic coating to your teeth, filling in rough edges, grooves, and depressions that are difficult to clean, especially on the back teeth. Sealants are commonly used on children but can also be beneficial for adults.

  • Protects teeth from decay and cavities
  • Ideal for hard-to-reach back teeth
  • Safe and effective for both children and adults

Keep your teeth protected with the best dentists in Kansas City!

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NIGHT GUARDS

If you grind your teeth at night, a custom night guard can help protect them from wear and tear. Like a sports mouthguard, night guards are designed to cushion teeth and prevent damage. We offer both pre-formed and custom-fitted night guards for maximum comfort and protection.

  • Prevents damage from teeth grinding at night
  • Custom-fitted for your comfort
  • Helps improve sleep quality

Protect your smile while you sleep—get a night guard consultation!

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SPORTS MOUTH GUARDS

Stay safe on the field or court with a custom sports mouthguard. Whether you’re involved in low-impact or high-impact sports, our mouth guards protect your teeth and jaw. They not only shield your mouth from injury but also help reduce the risk of TMJ, relax your jaw, and enhance performance.

  • Protects teeth from impact during sports
  • Helps reduce TMJ symptoms from clenching
  • Custom-made for maximum comfort and performance

Keep your smile safe during every game by booking a sports mouth guard appointment with the best general dentistry in South Kansas City!

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TMJ TREATMENT

Suffering from jaw pain, headaches, or trouble chewing? TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) could be the cause. Our specialists at Dental Care Center of South Kansas City provide tailored treatments to ease discomfort and restore the health of your jaw.

  • Relieves jaw pain, headaches, and chewing difficulties
  • Personalized treatment plans
  • Restores comfort to your jaw and bite

Let us help you find relief with trusted TMJ treatment in Kansas City.

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WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTIONS

If your wisdom teeth are causing discomfort or alignment issues, it might be time for an extraction. Our experienced dentists offer safe and efficient wisdom teeth removal to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy.

  • Prevents infection and misalignment
  • Minimizes discomfort and recovery time
  • Protects your overall oral health

Take care of your smile—get a wisdom teeth consultation.

There are also times when your wisdom teeth can become impacted and are not able to come through the gums. They can also come in partially, allowing food to catch in the area and cause plaque to build up. This can lead to bacteria and infection, which will only get worse.Since wisdom teeth are often harmful, most dentists recommend their removal. The surgery goes much better if you get the teeth removed before any signs of problem. The recovery is easier also. Surgery and recovery are also easier when you are younger.

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DRY MOUTH TREATMENT

Dry mouth can be uncomfortable and lead to oral health problems. Whether caused by medication or other conditions, we offer effective treatments to relieve symptoms and protect your teeth and gums.

  • Relieves discomfort from dry mouth
  • Prevents further oral health complications
  • Personalized treatment plans for your condition

Consult Dental Care Center of South Kansas City, the best general dentistry in South Kansas City for relief!

While a dry mouth may not seem like a big deal, the saliva in your mouth plays an important role in your oral health and overall wellness. It works to protect your tooth enamel from harmful bacteria, breaks down food particles to promote good digestion, and makes it possible for you to chew and swallow. A lack of saliva increases your risk of developing tooth decay and may prevent you from getting the nutrients you need.Symptoms of dry mouth include:

  • Dry, sticky feelings in the mouth and throat
  • Difficulty in chewing, swallowing or tasting
  • A burning feeling in the mouth
  • Cracked lips
  • A dry, rough tongue
  • Infection in the mouth
  • Persistent halitosis (bad breath)

Our dentist will work with you to determine the cause of your dry mouth and provide an appropriate treatment. In the meantime, we recommend that you:

  • Sip water or sugarless drinks frequently, especially during meals
  • Avoid drinks containing caffeine
  • Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy to stimulate saliva flow
  • Do not use tobacco products or drink alcohol
  • Use a humidifier at night
  • Take special care to keep your mouth healthy (brush and floss regularly, and keep all your regular dental appointments)

For more information about dry mouth and to schedule your appointment with our dentist, please contact our office today.

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FLUORIDE TREATMENT

Fluoride is essential for keeping your teeth strong and decay-free. Fluoride treatments can provide extra protection and help maintain your healthy smile if you’re prone to cavities.

  • Strengthens enamel and prevents decay
  • Extra protection for cavity-prone teeth
  • Helps maintain a healthy, strong smile

Book your fluoride treatment and keep your teeth stronger for longer!

Fluoride helps to strengthen your teeth and protect them from tooth decay. As you eat and drink throughout the day, bacteria, sugars and acids constantly attack and demineralize the enamel of your teeth. Fluoride works to remineralize tooth enamel, preventing tooth decay and cavities. In addition, fluoride can strengthen teeth as they develop to make sure they are strong and healthy. This makes fluoride very important for children as their teeth grow in.Our dentist and team members may recommend professional fluoride treatment during your regular dental checkup. We may suggest further fluoride treatment if your teeth are prone to decay or if you are not receiving a sufficient amount of fluoride from other sources. Professional fluoride is available in the form of a gel, varnish or foam. Fluoride treatment is just one of the ways our team helps you keep your smile healthy for a lifetime. For more information about preventive dentistry and the benefits of fluoride, we welcome you to contact us today. We are eager to care for your smile!

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HALITOSIS TREATMENT

If bad breath is affecting your confidence, we’re here to help. Our halitosis treatments target the root cause, whether poor hygiene, dry mouth, or other factors, giving you fresher breath and greater confidence.

  • Eliminates bad breath caused by various factors
  • Helps restore your confidence
  • Custom treatments for your needs

Get rid of bad breath once and for all—schedule your halitosis treatment with us!

Based on the cause of your bad breath, our dentist can help you find a solution.Because several types of illnesses and medical conditions may result in bad breath, it is important to check with your physician and our team to find out whether an illness or medication is causing bad breath. If you are healthy and suffer from bad breath, it may be caused by microbial deposits on the tongue. Simply brushing your tongue can reduce bad breath by as much as 70%. Another important way to prevent bad breath is to practice good oral hygiene. Be sure to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Be certain to visit us on a regular basis to make sure any conditions like tooth decay and periodontal disease are treated. Avoiding odorous foods like garlic and onions can help to keep your breath fresh, and quitting smoking or chewing tobacco can improve your breath as well.To learn more about bad breath and how to prevent and treat it, call us today!

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NON-SURGICAL GUM TREATMENTS

If you have gum disease, non-surgical treatments are an effective option to restore gum health. Our skilled team provides gentle care to stop gum disease in its tracks and keep your smile intact.

  • Non-invasive treatments for gum disease
  • Restores gum health without surgery
  • Prevents further damage to your gums and teeth

Take control of your gum health!

If your gums are swollen, red or tender, or if your gums bleed easily, you may have periodontal disease. Other common symptoms of gum disease include loose teeth, painful chewing, persistent bad breath and receding gums that make your teeth appear longer than normal. Following an exam at our office, our dentist and team will be able to determine whether you suffer from periodontal disease.The treatment for gum disease is based upon your specific needs. Depending on the severity of the condition, our dentist may recommend additional professional dental cleanings, improved at-home oral hygiene, antibiotic treatment, scaling and root planing (deep cleanings), or gum surgery. We strive to help you restore your oral health and halt the progress of the disease. For more information on periodontal treatment, we welcome you to call or visit our office soon. We look forward to caring for your smile!

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THUMB SUCKING TREATMENT

If your child is still sucking their thumb, we can help them break the habit and protect their oral health. Thumb sucking can lead to alignment issues, so our gentle treatments ensure your child’s smile stays healthy.

  • Helps break the thumb-sucking habit
  • Prevents alignment issues and future dental problems
  • Promotes healthy dental habits in children

Help your child develop healthy habits. Schedule their visit with Dental Care Center of South Kansas City, the best dentist in Kansas City, MO!

There are many oral appliances available to help break finger sucking and tongue thrusting habits. While thumb sucking appliances work to simply discourage sucking habits, tongue thrust appliances usually involve a type of “physical therapy” that helps retrain the muscles of the tongue so that it no longer thrusts forward. When you bring your child to our office, our dentist will work with you both to help break these harmful habits so that your child can enjoy good oral health and a beautiful smile.In addition to oral appliances, our dentist may also recommend simple things that you can try at home, such as putting an article of clothing (like a glove or a sock) over the thumb and fingers or creating diversions at times when your child usually sucks his or her fingers. Your child may also suck his or her fingers due to anxiety and may stop if the source of this anxiety is found and soothed.

For more information and to schedule a consultation with our dentist, please contact our office today.

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BRUXISM

Bruxism, or habitual teeth grinding and clenching, can lead to severe damage if left untreated. Often occurring at night, bruxism causes a range of issues, including broken teeth, jaw pain, and even headaches. We can help you stop grinding and protect your oral health with proper treatment.

Common Bruxism Symptoms:

  • Broken, chipped, or worn-down teeth
  • Damaged oral appliances
  • Morning headaches and migraines
  • Earaches, ear ringing, and jaw discomfort
  • Tension in the head, neck, and shoulder muscles
  • Tightness and pain in the jaw

Protect your smile from bruxism with us.

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YOUR CHILD’S FIRST DENTAL VISIT

The first dental visit is an essential step in your child’s oral health journey. Dr. Gregory A. Stiver and his team are dedicated to providing a warm and friendly atmosphere, helping your child feel at ease and fostering a positive connection.

Why is Your Child’s First Visit Important?

  • Establishes a dental home for your child
  • Helps your child develop positive associations with the dentist
  • The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends an initial dental exam six months after your child’s first tooth erupts

Give your child’s oral health the best start. Book their first appointment at our Kansas City, MO dental office today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is general dentistry, and why is it important?

General dentistry involves routine cleaning, exams, and preventive treatments to maintain healthy teeth and gums. It’s crucial to detect dental issues early, prevent more extensive treatments, and ensure long-term oral health. Regular visits to your general dentist keep your smile healthy and pain-free.

How often should I visit a general dentist?

We recommend visiting your general dentist every six months for a cleaning and check-up. This routine care helps detect early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other issues, ensuring timely intervention to maintain your oral health.

What services are included in general dentistry?

General dentistry covers various treatments, including preventative care, teeth whitening, fillings, root canals, extractions, and oral cancer screenings. Dental Care Center of South Kansas City also provides additional services like night guards, sealants, and gum treatments to address specific dental concerns.

Can general dentistry help with grinding my teeth at night?

Yes, general dentistry can help with teeth grinding at night (bruxism) with night guards. These custom-fitted appliances prevent wear and tear, reduce jaw pain, and improve sleep quality, preserving the health of your teeth and gums.

Is general dentistry suitable for children?

Absolutely! General dentists offer services tailored for children, such as their first dental visits, sealants, and thumb-sucking treatments. These services focus on building positive dental habits early, ensuring your child’s smile stays healthy as they grow.