A dental exam and cleaning is a routine visit where we check your teeth and gums for problems you may not see or feel, remove plaque and hardened tartar, and polish your teeth. Most patients should have one about every six months.
General dentistry in Hanford, CA.
General dentistry is the everyday care that keeps teeth healthy and repairs them when something goes wrong. At Unzicker Dental in Hanford, that covers exams and cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, extractions and nightguards.
How we approach general dentistry.
Most dental problems start small and quiet. A regular exam is how we find a cavity while it is still a simple filling, or notice gum inflammation before it reaches the bone. When a tooth does need repair, the goal is the same every time: keep as much healthy tooth as possible and choose the most conservative treatment that will hold up.
Dr. Daniel Unzicker completed a hospital-based general practice residency at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center after dental school, with training across the dental specialties and in caring for medically complex patients. That background shapes how we plan general care: we explain what we see, lay out the options, and let you decide without pressure.
General dentistry services.
A filling repairs a tooth after decay has been removed. The cleaned-out area is filled with a durable material, most often tooth-colored composite resin or silver amalgam, to restore the shape of the tooth and seal out bacteria.
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that is cemented over an existing tooth to restore its shape and strength. It usually covers the whole part of the tooth above the gumline and is used when a tooth is broken, worn down or too damaged by decay for a filling.
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with artificial teeth that are held in place by the teeth on either side of the gap. It is fixed in the mouth, so it does not come out for cleaning.
A root canal is a treatment that saves a tooth whose inner nerve tissue, called the pulp, has become infected or badly inflamed. The diseased tissue is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed, and the tooth stays in your mouth instead of being pulled.
A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket. It is recommended when a tooth is too damaged or infected to be saved, or when removing it protects the health of your other teeth.
A nightguard is a custom-made appliance worn over the upper or lower teeth while you sleep. It cushions your teeth and protects them from the forces of grinding and clenching, a condition called bruxism.
Your dentist: Daniel W. Unzicker, DDS
Dr. Daniel Unzicker, DDS, provides general dentistry at our Hanford office. He is a general dentist who was born and raised in Hanford, graduated with high honors from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 2012 and completed a general practice residency at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center.
General dentistry: common questions.
How often should I come in for an exam and cleaning?
For most patients we recommend a visit about every six months. Some people do well with that schedule for life, and others, such as patients with gum disease or a high cavity risk, benefit from coming in more often. We will suggest an interval based on what we see in your mouth, not a one-size rule.
Do you see children and older adults?
Yes. We are a family practice and see patients of all ages. Many Hanford families have had three generations in our chairs since the office opened in 1982. If a child or adult has needs that are better handled by a specialist, we will tell you and help arrange it.
What should I do if a tooth hurts but I am not sure it is serious?
Call us at (559) 584-2777 during office hours and describe what you are feeling. Tooth pain that lingers, wakes you at night, or comes with swelling should be looked at soon. If you have facial swelling that is spreading, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a fever, go to an emergency room.
Your next visit starts with a conversation.
Request a time online or call us. We are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.