Regular exams and dental cleanings are key in preventing future oral health issues. Contact our dentist office to schedule your next appointment!

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General Dentistry in Wausau, WI

Preventive care is the backbone of our dental care philosophy.

Why?

Because building good routines and healthy habits helps you avoid most major dental problems.

Not only will this save you money in the long run, it will also help improve your overall health. Research shows that your oral health is closely tied in with the health of the rest of your body, and keeping your teeth and gums in great shape is an important part of your total healthcare.

Preventive Dentistry Is the Foundation

You might be surprised to find out that over the course of your lifetime, most of the dental care you receive will be performed in your home by you!

We help by providing regular professional cleanings to avoid tartar buildup along with dental examinations to monitor your health and catch little problems before they turn into big, expensive, painful problems.

We also help by working together with you to create consistent and simple routines that will be easy to stick to.

These routines are crucial. Good brushing and flossing habits prevent tooth decay and gum disease, two of the most common dental problems we see. We will discuss your routines with you, look for ways to improve them, and even provide hands-on demonstrations to show you the best brushing and flossing techniques.

Gum Disease Treatment in Wausau, WI

Did you know that gum health (your periodontal health) has been linked to overall health? Recent research has shown a strong connection, and people who have gum disease are at a higher risk for diseases like diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and respiratory disease. Gum disease is even linked with problems during pregnancy, such as low birth weights in newborns.

At our Wausau dental practice, we take gum health seriously. We’ll work with you to help you develop habits to prevent gum disease from starting. If you are already showing the signs of gum disease, our dentist will provide gum disease treatment so you can avoid further damage.

Regular Exams & Dental Cleanings are Essential

The earlier we can catch a developing problem, the simpler the treatment for it is likely to be.

Even with excellent home care habits, it’s still possible for certain problems to begin, like cavities and infections. With regular check-ups, we can spot these problems when they are small. This allows for conservative treatments that save your teeth and prevent bigger (and painful) problems.

Healthy Teeth & Gums for a Lifetime

As you grow older, you may find that you need more advanced treatment to keep your teeth in great shape, even with good habits in place. Dr. Kim provides periodontal care, root canal therapy, dental implants, and even cosmetic services to help your smile stay healthy and beautiful for a lifetime.

No matter your age, you deserve an attractive smile with healthy teeth, and we can help you achieve and maintain that.

Contact our Dentist Office in Wausau to Get Started

Call our Wausau dental office today at 715-849-5667 to schedule an appointment. We’d love to be a part of your family’s healthcare team!

Friendly and Knowledgeable

Dr. Kim and his staff are friendly, knowledgeable and professional. They keep abreast of the latest technology. He works with you on maintaining your dental health. Dr. Kim educates you about the various steps needed for any procedures and explains why they are necessary. Scheduling is flexible and they have always available when an emergency arises. They work with various insurance plans and their prices are very reasonable for anything not covered by insurance. My families visits for the last 10+ years have always been positive. Mary O'Neill

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does fluoride protect teeth?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps prevent tooth decay in three main ways:

Fluoride can stimulate a process called remineralization, which helps reverse the effects of early tooth decay. Remineralization is the opposite of demineralization, which occurs when acids eat away at teeth, creating weak spots and eventually leading to cavities.
Fluoride strengthens teeth and makes them more resistant to tooth decay and damage.
Fluoride interferes with the metabolic processes of the bacteria that cause tooth decay, stopping them from producing the harmful acids that damage teeth.

Since water fluoridation programs begin, tooth decay in communities with fluoridated drinking water has decreased by at least 25% in both kids and adults! In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have determined water fluoridation in communities to be one of the greatest public health achievements of the twentieth century! While it’s possible to consume an excess of fluoride and experience side effects like fluorosis, which leaves chalky white marks on your teeth, it is essentially impossible to do this by drinking water.

If you live in an area that doesn’t have fluoridated water, you are on a private well, or you exclusively drink filtered or bottled water, let us know. We can apply a fluoride varnish after your cleanings to help you get the positive benefits of this valuable mineral.

What is plaque?

Plaque is a sticky substance that forms on teeth when food bits and bacteria mix with saliva and are allowed to build up, creating a film on the surface of your teeth. Good brushing and flossing habits help to keep plaque at bay. The plaque not only looks unsightly, the bacteria in plaque are frequently a culprit in bad breath.

If plaque is not removed promptly, it will harden into tartar, which requires removal by a professional. Tartar build-up can lead to cavities and gum disease. Regular cleanings as recommended by your dental hygienist will help eliminate plaque and tartar and prevent gum disease and decay.

The fact is, no matter how diligently you brush your teeth, it’s virtually impossible to remove all traces of plaque from your teeth, particularly in the spaces between your teeth and just below your gumline. Think of your routine professional cleanings as an opportunity for a “fresh start!”

Your comfort is important to us. If you’ve been putting off a cleaning because of fears, please let us know. We have sedation options available that can make it easier for you to get the routine preventive treatment you need. These routine treatments help you avoid more serious conditions later on.

Meet Our Doctor:

James S. Kim DDS

Dr. James S. Kim received his Bachelor of Science degree from Loyola University of Chicago and his DDS from the prestigious University of Illinois College of Dentistry, also in Chicago. He has maintained a private practice in Wausau with an emphasis in family, cosmetic, implant, and sedation dentistry since 2000.

Dr. Kim is committed to staying current in the dental field, attending 150-200 hours of continuing education per year. Additionally, he has trained with some of the best clinicians in the world such as Dr. Frank Spear at The Seattle Institute ...

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