Personalized Dental Care for a Healthier You
Welcome to Lake Forest Smiles, where excellent dentistry meets exceptional care. Serving the Lake Forest area for more than 30 years, our general dentistry services cover everything you need for optimal oral health—from routine cleanings and exams to essential treatments like fillings, x-rays, and fluoride applications. We are committed to maintaining healthy smiles throughout your life.
Our general dentistry services focus on you, the individual. From routine cleanings and exams to restorative treatments like fillings and crowns, we tailor every visit to your specific needs. At Lake Forest Smiles, we make it easy to stay on top of your health with efficient, modern care in a relaxing environment.
Preventive Dental Health for Better Well-Being
The health of your entire body is impacted by your oral health, which is why our experienced dentists focus so much on preventive care. Biannual dental exams, thorough cleanings, and fluoride treatments ensure your loved ones enjoy lasting, comprehensive wellness.
General dentistry is the foundation of great oral health. It involves diagnosing, preventing, and treating a wide range of dental concerns before they become more serious. While cosmetic and specialized procedures may grab headlines, it’s general dental care that keeps your teeth functioning, your gums healthy, and your smile radiant over time.
Regular visits to your general dentist allow us to:
- Catch small issues (like tiny cavities) before they become big problems
- Keep your mouth free of harmful plaque and tartar
- Screen for oral cancer and gum disease early
- Help you avoid costly, invasive procedures later
Think of your general dentist as your oral health partner. We’re here to guide, educate, and support you every step of the way.
Routine Dental Exams and Cleanings
Your Biannual Check-In for a Healthy Smile
The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for a routine exam and professional cleaning, and we couldn’t agree more. These visits are the bedrock of preventive care.
During your visit, here’s what you can expect:
Thorough Oral Exam: We’ll check your teeth, gums, jaw, and bite for any signs of concern.
Digital X-rays (as needed): These help us catch issues hidden beneath the surface, such as cavities between teeth, bone loss, or impacted teeth.
Professional Cleaning: Our hygienists use advanced tools to gently remove built-up plaque and tartar, especially from hard-to-reach areas.
Personalized Recommendations: We’ll offer tips on improving your oral hygiene and answer any questions you have.
Tooth-Colored Fillings: A Seamless Solution
Safeguard your oral health by preventing infections with our tooth-colored fillings, offering both a discreet and effective cavity treatment. Say goodbye to cavities without the worry of discomfort—our Dexis CariVu technology can reveal hidden cracks and cavities using transillumination, making identification and treatment a breeze.
At Lake Forest Smiles, we use composite resin fillings that match the natural shade of your tooth. These fillings:
- Blend seamlessly with your smile
- Require less removal of healthy tooth structure
- Are mercury-free and biocompatible
Harden quickly and provide durable, lasting results
Crowns and Basic Restorative Dentistry
Sometimes, a filling isn’t quite enough to restore a damaged or weakened tooth. In these cases, dental crowns provide full coverage and protection, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
We offer beautifully crafted porcelain crowns that look and feel like natural teeth. You may need a crown if:
- A tooth has a large cavity or fracture
- You’ve had a root canal
- Your tooth is significantly worn down or misshapen
- You want to protect a structurally weak tooth from further damage
Our crowns are made from strong, durable materials and designed with aesthetics in mind. If crowns don’t work for your needs, we have many other restorative or cosmetic solutions for your smile.
Fluoride Treatments: Strengthen Your Smile
Fluoride, a natural mineral, offers an additional layer of defense against decay, strengthens enamel, and is particularly beneficial for those at higher risk.
How the Treatment Works
Professional fluoride is applied in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish during your cleaning appointment. The process is quick, painless, and only takes a few minutes. We simply ask that you avoid eating or drinking for about 30 minutes afterward so the fluoride can fully absorb.
Combined with good brushing and flossing habits at home, fluoride treatments help reduce the risk of decay, extend the life of your natural teeth, and promote stronger enamel across the board.
During your routine visit, we may recommend a professional fluoride treatment, especially if you:
- Are prone to cavities
- Have sensitive teeth
- Wear braces
- Suffer from dry mouth or gum recession
- Use well water without fluoride
The application is quick and painless, just a few minutes of gel or varnish applied to your teeth. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in your long-term oral health.
Oral Cancer Screenings: A Life-Saving Step
Early detection saves lives, and that’s especially true with oral cancer. At each exam, we perform a comprehensive oral cancer screening using the VelScope. Our screening includes:
- Visual inspection of your lips, cheeks, tongue, and throat
- Palpation of your neck and jaw for any abnormalities
- Use of lighting tools to detect unusual tissue changes
Oral cancer is often painless in its early stages, making these screenings a crucial part of your general dental care.
Gum Health and Periodontal Maintenance
Your gums are the foundation of your smile. When they’re healthy, your teeth stay anchored and strong. When they’re not, it can lead to gum disease (periodontitis), which affects more than just your mouth; it’s also linked to heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications.
If we detect early signs of gum disease, we may recommend:
Deep cleanings (scaling and root planing)
Antibacterial rinses or localized antibiotic treatment
Frequent periodontal maintenance visits
Our goal is to restore your gum health and prevent progression to more advanced stages of the disease.
Sedation Dentistry: Comfort Without Compromise
Dental anxiety is real, and we’re here to help you overcome it. If nerves or past experiences have kept you from regular dental care, sedation dentistry may be the answer.
At Lake Forest Smiles, we offer safe, effective sedation options that help you feel relaxed and in control during treatment. Options include:
- Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)
- Oral conscious sedation
Let us know how you’re feeling, and we’ll tailor your experience to ensure you feel calm, safe, and respected every step of the way.
Dental Education and At-Home Care Guidance
A great dental visit doesn’t end when you walk out the door. At Lake Forest Smiles, we believe that patient education is one of the most powerful tools in preventive dentistry. That’s why we take time during every appointment to help you understand the “why” behind your care and how to protect your smile between visits:
We’ll help you:
- Choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your needs
- Learn proper brushing and flossing techniques
- Understand the impact of diet and lifestyle on your oral health
- Recognize signs of trouble, like gum bleeding or tooth sensitivity
Whether you’re curious about mouth rinses, sugar substitutes, or the best time to brush, we’re always here to answer questions and support your health journey. Think of us as your oral wellness coach, cheering you on and giving you the tools to succeed.
Emergency Dental Care: Relief When You Need It Most
Toothaches don’t wait for your next checkup, and neither do we. If you’re dealing with a dental emergency, like a sudden toothache, chipped tooth, or lost filling, Lake Forest Smiles is here to help.
Our team offers same-day emergency appointments for urgent needs, so you don’t have to suffer through unnecessary pain or anxiety. We can handle:
- Toothaches and dental infections
- Broken or knocked-out teeth
- Damaged or lost restorations (like crowns or fillings)
- Soft tissue injuries to the lips, tongue, or cheeks
Prompt care not only relieves pain, but it can also save your tooth and prevent more serious complications. If you’re unsure whether something is an emergency, just give us a call, we’ll help you figure it out and fit you in fast.
Technology That Works for You
We’ve invested in some of the latest dental technology to improve your comfort, speed, and results. Our tools include:
- Dexis CariVu for early cavity detection
- Digital X-rays with minimal radiation exposure
- Intraoral cameras so you can see what we see
- Air abrasion for no-drill cavity treatment in some cases
Modern dentistry isn’t just more effective, it’s also more comfortable, efficient, and empowering for patients.
Find the Gateway to Wellness at Lake Forest Smiles
Whether you’re due for a routine exam or have a specific concern, Lake Forest Smiles is ready to help you take the next step toward better oral health. Our caring team provides judgment-free, patient-centered general dentistry tailored to your needs and goals.
Don’t wait for a toothache to make the call. Invest in your smile today with experienced dental care that’s preventive as it is compassionate.
Call now to schedule your appointment with us today!