General Dentistry in Ladson, SC
The routine care that keeps everything else from becoming a bigger problem. Exams, cleanings, fillings and early detection, all in one place on Highway 78.
What general dentistry covers
The foundation of everything else
General dentistry is the ongoing care that keeps your teeth and gums healthy: regular examinations, professional cleanings, x-rays, fillings, and screening for problems while they are still small and inexpensive to treat.
Most of what we catch at a routine visit would have been invisible to you. A cavity between two teeth does not hurt until it reaches the nerve. Early gum disease does not hurt at all. Oral cancer in its first stages is painless. The point of a checkup is to find those things before they announce themselves.
Dr. Mathew examines every patient personally. You will hear what she found, what she recommends, what it costs, and what happens if you wait. There is no pressure to decide on the spot.
A routine visit
What actually happens at a checkup
About an hour, start to finish, for most patients.
Medical history
We review your health history and any medications, because both change how we treat you. Tell us about anxiety here too.
X-rays
Digital bitewings show what the eye cannot: decay between teeth, bone level, infection at the root. Radiation exposure is a fraction of traditional film.
Cleaning
A hygienist removes plaque and hardened tartar, then polishes. If you have not been in for a while, this may take longer or need a second visit.
Exam and plan
Dr. Mathew examines your teeth, gums, bite and soft tissue, screens for oral cancer, then walks you through what she found and your options.
Included in general care
Services under this umbrella
Teeth Cleaning
Routine professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
Learn moreDeep Teeth Cleaning
Scaling and root planing when gum disease has moved below the gumline.
Learn moreTooth-Colored Fillings
Composite fillings that repair decay without silver showing when you laugh.
Learn moreGum Disease Treatment
Catching and reversing gingivitis before it becomes periodontitis.
Learn moreNight Guards
Custom guards for grinding and clenching, which wears teeth down silently.
Learn moreTMJ Therapy
Relief for jaw pain, clicking, and headaches that start at the joint.
Learn moreDo not wait for your next checkup
Call us sooner if you notice any of this
- Bleeding when you brush or floss, even a little, and even if it has always done that
- Persistent bad breath that brushing does not fix
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet that lingers more than a few seconds
- A tooth that feels different when you bite down
- Gums that look puffy, red, or have pulled back from the tooth
- Any sore, lump or patch in your mouth that has not healed in two weeks
- Jaw pain, clicking, or waking up with headaches
Any of these is worth a call to (843) 970-3799. Most are far easier to treat early.
Common questions
Questions we hear most
How often should I actually come in?
Twice a year suits most people. If you have gum disease, a history of frequent decay, diabetes, or you smoke, Dr. Mathew may recommend three or four visits a year, because the bacteria rebuild faster in those cases. She will tell you which applies to you rather than giving a blanket answer.
I have not been to a dentist in years. What happens?
You get an exam and an honest conversation, not a lecture. A lot of our patients have been away from dental care for a long time, sometimes decades. We will find out where things stand, then build a plan you can work through in stages if that is easier. If anxiety is what kept you away, ask about sedation dentistry.
Is a checkup covered by my insurance?
We bill all insurance providers including PPOs, and we submit the claim for you as a courtesy. Most plans cover two exams and cleanings a year at or near 100%. If you are not sure what your plan covers, we will verify your benefits and explain them before treatment starts.
Can I be seen without dental insurance?
Yes. Our $99 new patient special covers a complete exam, gum disease and oral cancer screening, and bitewing x-rays for uninsured patients. CareCredit and a 5% cash discount are also available.
Are dental x-rays safe?
Yes. We use digital x-rays, which cut radiation exposure substantially compared with old film. A set of bitewings exposes you to less radiation than a cross-country flight. We only take them when they will change what we do, not on a fixed schedule.
Can the whole family be seen here?
Yes. We treat children through seniors under one roof, which means one practice, one location and often back-to-back appointments. See family dentistry and pediatric dentistry.
Ready when you are
Schedule your visit in Ladson
New patients are welcome, and dental emergencies are seen the same day.