General Dentistry
Comprehensive care for the whole family
General dentistry is the first line of defense against cavities and gum disease. Many problems develop without symptoms — regular exams catch them early, when treatment is simple. From a child's first cleaning to a grandparent's bridge, we look after every age.
Treatments
Everything routine — and everything beyond
Cleanings keep most patients out of trouble. When something does come up, we have the full toolkit on hand so you don't need to be sent somewhere else.
Preventive Care
Stop problems before they start
Cleanings & Exams
Routine cleaning to remove tartar your toothbrush can't reach, paired with a thorough exam — early decay, gum check, and oral cancer screening every visit. Most patients come every six months.
Sealants
A protective barrier painted onto the chewing surfaces of children's molars, right where most cavities start. Best applied as soon as adult molars come in (around ages 5–7 and 11–14). Lasts about 10 years and can be reapplied.
Fillings & Restorations
Repair without replacing
Bonding & White Fillings
Tooth-colored composite resin that bonds directly to the tooth — no silver. Used for cavities, small chips, and gaps. Matches your natural shade and typically lasts well over 10 years.
Inlays & Onlays
Often called 'partial crowns'. When a cavity is too large for a standard filling but the tooth doesn't need a full crown, an inlay or onlay restores the chewing surface while preserving as much natural tooth as possible.
Crowns
When a tooth is significantly weakened, decayed, or cracked beyond what a filling can fix, a crown caps it to restore strength and appearance. Color-matched porcelain blends with your other teeth. Typically lasts 10–15 years.
Bridges
A fixed way to replace one or more missing teeth. Two crowns anchor the bridge to the teeth on either side of the gap, with a custom replacement tooth filling the space. Once placed, it functions and feels like natural teeth.
Tooth Replacement
When a tooth can't be saved
Dentures
Removable replacements for full or partial tooth loss. Conventional dentures are placed after the gums heal; immediate dentures go in the same day teeth are removed, so you're never without them. Partial dentures fill in around your remaining teeth.
Extractions & Site Preservation
When a tooth can't be saved — including impacted wisdom teeth — we discuss what happens to the empty space before removal. Site preservation protects the jaw bone for a future implant or bridge.
Protection
Custom guards for grinding and sport
Night Guards
Custom-fit guard worn at night to prevent damage from teeth grinding. Protects enamel, eases jaw pain, and improves sleep — yours and your spouse's. A good night guard can last up to 10 years.
Sport Mouth Guards
Custom-fit protection for football, hockey, basketball, lacrosse, wrestling, and any contact sport. Far more comfortable than store-bought boil-and-bite guards, and shown to reduce concussion risk.
Every Age in the Family
One practice for the whole household
We've been Sanford's family dentist since 2012 — from first visits to retirement years.
Children
First visits, sealants on new molars, and the habits that prevent problems later.
Teens
Cleanings, orthodontic prep, custom sport mouth guards, and wisdom teeth assessments.
Adults
Routine cleanings, white fillings, crowns, bridges, and night guards for grinding.
Seniors
Restorative work, dentures, and comfort-focused care for sensitive teeth and gums.
What to Expect
Your routine visit, step by step
Welcome
We greet you, review your history, and ask about anything new — sensitivities, soreness, concerns about a specific tooth.
Cleaning
Our hygienist removes plaque and tartar above and below the gum line, then polishes and flosses.
Exam
Dr. Onyski checks each tooth, gum pockets, your bite, and screens for oral cancer. X-rays as needed.
Plan
We walk you through anything that needs attention — clearly, with options — and schedule any follow-up before you leave.
FAQ
Common questions about routine care
How often should I come in?
For most adults and kids, every six months is the right cadence — that's the cycle insurance covers and the one we recommend. Patients with active gum disease typically come every three to four months. We'll tell you exactly what's right for you after your first visit.
Do you treat children?
Yes — we're a family practice. We see kids from their first cleaning all the way through adulthood. Sealants on new molars, fluoride, and patient explanations of every step are part of how we work with younger patients.
What's the difference between a filling and a crown?
A filling replaces a small amount of decayed tooth — quick, single-visit, no anesthesia for tiny ones. A crown caps the entire visible tooth when the damage is too extensive for a filling to hold up. Inlays and onlays sit between the two for medium-sized cases.
Bridge or implant for a missing tooth?
Both work. Bridges are faster, less surgical, and use the neighboring teeth as anchors. Implants take longer and cost more upfront, but don't affect neighboring teeth and prevent the bone loss that follows tooth loss. We talk through both at the consultation — sometimes the answer is obvious, sometimes it's a real trade-off.
Does insurance usually cover routine visits?
Yes — most plans fully cover two cleanings and exams per year as preventive care. We're in-network with most major plans and will verify your benefits before any work that isn't routine.
What if I haven't been to the dentist in years?
You're not alone, and we don't judge. The first visit is an exam, x-rays, and a clear plan — no pressure to do everything at once. We work through it at the pace that fits your budget and schedule.
New Patients Welcome
Ready to schedule a visit?
Whether it's a routine cleaning or you haven't been in a while — call us, or book online. Most insurance accepted.