Dentist in Columbus GA

Dr. Albert Caves is a local dentist in Columbus, GA. We provide comprehensive dental care for the entire family. General family dentistry focuses on preventing tooth decay and restoring health and function when needed.

Dr. Caves accomplishes this by establishing an oral health routine that includes at-home care combined with regular, professional dental cleanings. General family services are just one of the dental services we offer patients in Columbus, GA.

Our patients often comment on how different we are from other local dentists in Columbus, GA. Our comprehensive approach makes us stand out. We emphasize the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment planning for the most successful results.

general dentist in columbus, ga

Importance of General Dentistry

When a dentist is able to identify problems in their early stages, he or she can recommend the most conservative treatment methods. Dr. Caves is dedicated to preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible and saving the patient from expensive and uncomfortable procedures.

It is estimated that three out of every four adults have some form of gum disease. Routine examinations can help prevent gum disease by treating problems that could lead to gum disease.

Common Dental Concerns we Treat With General Dentistry

  • Tooth Decay: Tooth decay is a progressive disease resulting from the interaction of bacteria that naturally occur on the teeth and sugars in the everyday diet. Sugar causes a reaction in the bacteria, causing it to produce acids that break down the mineral in teeth, forming a tooth cavity. A dentist will remove the decay and protect the tooth from future decay with a dental filling or dental crown. In some cases, there may be root damage, requiring a root canal.
  • Pediatric Dental Care: Setting habits early is critical for establishing long-term dental health. Children are susceptible to cavities and plaque build-up. Dr. Caves offers pediatric dentistry starting at age 3. Our staff can help educate children and parents on proper hygiene, thumb-sucking, braces, and other topics.
  • Sensitive Teeth: Your teeth expand and contract in reaction to changes in temperature. Hot and cold food and beverages can cause pain or irritation to people with sensitive teeth. Over time, tooth enamel can be worn down, gums may recede, or teeth may develop microscopic cracks, exposing the interior of the tooth and irritating nerve endings. Just breathing cold air can be painful for those with extremely sensitive teeth.
  • Bad Breath (Halitosis): Daily brushing and flossing help to prevent the buildup of food particles, plaque, and bacteria in your mouth. Food particles left in the mouth deteriorate and cause bad breath. While certain foods, such as garlic or anchovies, may create temporary bad breath, consistent bad breath may be a sign of gum disease or another dental problem.
  • Canker Sores: Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small sores inside the mouth that often recur. Generally lasting one or two weeks, the duration of canker sores can be reduced by the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents. The canker sore has a white or gray base surrounded by a red border. Dr. Caves also treats canker sores with laser dentistry.
  • Emergency Dental Care: We also provide emergency dental services for patients that need them.
  • Tooth Extractions: You should never delay having a tooth extracted if you need to. Dr. Caves can pull wisdom teeth that have decay and are infected.

General Dentistry What to Expect

Your initial exam with local dentist, Dr. Caves will last approximately one hour. This visit will help you get acquainted with the dentist and staff and discuss your goals and desires for your dental treatment.

Generally, X-rays will be taken so that we can get a clear picture of the jaw’s structure and teeth position. Oral hygiene instructions will also be provided along with suggestions to help you care for your teeth. In most cases, we will also clean your teeth on this visit and provide an evaluation that will outline your existing dental problems and proposed treatment.

We believe that good dental care begins with open communication. We promise to speak candidly with you about any symptoms present that may require further dental treatment, our diagnosis, alternative treatments that may exist, and our recommendations. Working together, we can achieve a true partnership, with one common goal-keeping your smile beautiful and your teeth, gums and jaw joints healthy.

Dr. Caves provides several general services and treatments including:

Dental Fillings

If you suffer from a cavity or tooth damage, Dr. Caves will use a dental filling to repair the tooth. Dental fillings are common general dentistry treatments that help restore a tooth to its original function and appearance. Fillings are also vital in preventing further decay and damage.

Dr. Caves will first remove the decay or damaged portion of the tooth, which leaves the tooth weak and vulnerable to damage. Then, he will use composite resin material to return the tooth to its original shape. After a filling, the tooth can function normally, and the patient’s oral health is protected. To learn more about the tooth filling procedure, see Dental Fillings.

Dental Cleanings

Teeth cleanings are routine procedures everyone needs twice a year to help maintain optimal oral health. Even patients who brush and floss regularly require professional dental cleaning from a trained dental hygienist. Plaque and tartar build-up on teeth and hide in tight crevices, making removing them difficult, even with regular brushing and flossing.

Our highly trained dental hygienists will remove all the built-up tartar and plaque in your teeth. Then, they polish your teeth, leaving patients with a clean, healthy, and beautiful smile. The goal is to compliment daily oral hygiene to help patients maintain optimal oral health. Regular teeth cleanings prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and teeth stains. To learn more about the importance of professional teeth cleanings, see Dental Cleanings.

Emergency Dental Care

Emergency dental care is vital to our practice. It encompasses prompt treatment and services that aim to address urgent dental health needs. If someone suffers from severe pain, infection, or tooth damage, the patient will require emergency dentistry.

If you are suffering from a dental emergency, contact Dr. Caves’ office. Emergency dental care is vital to preventing further problems and helping maintain oral health. Dr. Caves can reinsert a lost tooth, treat a tooth infection, or repair severe tooth damage when necessary. Emergency dental care will ensure patients receive the best possible outcome and possibly save a tooth. To learn more about what to do in a dental emergency, see Emergency Care.

Pediatric Dentistry

A pediatric dentist is a type of dentist who focuses on the oral health of infants, children, and teens. The main goal in pediatric dentistry is to ensure that a child’s oral health develops on track as they grow and to maintain their teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Each child will have unique needs, and our pediatric services are tailored to meet those needs.

Pediatric services include preventive dental checkups, teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and close monitoring of oral development. Dr. Caves is highly trained to diagnose cavities, perform dental fillings on children, address misaligned teeth, and much more. Our office also focuses on educating parents on how to help their children maintain proper dental health. We discuss thumb-sucking habits, proper brushing and flossing techniques, and dietary advice for young patients. To learn more about pediatric dental services, see Pediatric Dentistry.

Root Canals

Root canal therapy is a dental procedure that removes an infection from the center of a tooth. Infections can develop inside the mouth when a tooth is cracked, chipped, or decayed, and bacteria can enter the tooth. The bacteria invade the tooth’s pulp and cause the infection to develop. An infection inside a tooth is usually very painful, causing pain and swelling.

A root canal or tooth extraction is the only way to address this infection. The best option for oral health is to preserve the natural tooth for as long as possible. The procedure will save the tooth, remove the infection, and prevent further infection. A root canal is a simple, routine procedure that will relieve patients thanks to modern dentistry. To learn more about the root canal procedure, see Root Canals.

Tooth Extractions

There are several reasons why Dr. Caves may recommend a tooth extraction. Severe tooth damage, overcrowding, tooth decay, or impacted teeth are just a few. Additionally, it is a common practice to remove wisdom teeth before they cause unnecessary problems. Dental extractions play a vital role in addressing various oral health issues. Removing a tooth will prevent further problems, such as infection or damage to surrounding teeth.

Extracting a tooth is a simple dental procedure. Dr. Caves will use local anesthesia to ensure patients are comfortable during the procedure. After removing a tooth, we will review your options to replace it. Our goal is to ensure your smile is functioning, healthy, and aesthetically appealing. We also want to make sure you’re comfortable and free of pain. To learn more about why dental extractions are necessary, see Tooth Extractions.

Dental Insurance & Payment Options

We understand the unique needs of each family. Our Columbus, GA dentist office is designed to make your visit to the dentist as easy and stress-free as possible. We cater to military families and accept most major dental insurance, including Metlife Tricare Dental Program.