Ryan M. Buckwalter, DDS, FICOI, FAGD

1420 Greenbrier Place
Charlottesville, VA 22901

434.973.2224

All the Essential Services Your Local Dentist Can Provide You

Although some people hold an irrational fear of doing so, visiting your local dentist is essential for maintaining your oral health and well-being. Whether you have concerns about your smile, are experiencing tooth pain, or are overdue for a regular check-up, general dentistry services can address your oral health needs. From dental fillings to teeth cleanings, a competent dentist can ensure your teeth and gums are well cared for. 

Hillcrest Dental has provided high-quality dental care to Waynesboro, VA, residents since 1953. Our personalized, patient-centered services range from general and surgical dentistry to cosmetic oral procedures. We can help you feel confident in your smile without breaking your budget. Call (434) 973-2224 or visit our website to receive a free smile consultation today.

Below, we explain the services general dentists provide:

What Is General Dentistry? 

Due to their broad scope of oral health expertise, the healthcare industry regards general dentists as primary dental healthcare providers. Their specialization lies in diagnosing, treating, and preventing a wide range of mild to moderate oral health problems.

In addition to regular services, general dentists provide valuable advice on maintaining oral hygiene. Therefore, schedule regular appointments with your general dentist to ensure you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Essential General Dentistry Services

Reasons to visit a general dentist include routine check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, and treatments for common oral diseases. Moreover, you may require one or more of the following essential dentistry offerings:

  • Teeth Cleanings & Exams: During a dental cleaning, a dental hygienist uses special tools to remove harmful plaque and tartar build-up. Then, during the dental exam, the dentist thoroughly assesses your mouth, teeth, and throat for signs of gum disease, cavities, tooth decay, or oral cancer. Schedule cleanings and examinations every 6 months to ensure a healthy smile and early detection of oral health issues.


  • Dental Sealants & Fillings: Since 1 in 4 adults have at least one cavity, sealants and fillings are the most common dental procedure. Caregivers will apply sealants to the tooth surfaces that are cavity-prone to prevent their formation. If cavities have already caused fissures and damage in teeth, dental professionals will use fillings to repair them. Without these treatments, these damages can lead to persistent pain and infection. 


  • Root Canals: The notorious root canal comes into play when a tooth is significantly infected but can still be saved without an extraction. In this simple yet delicate procedure, dental professionals remove the inflamed pulp inside a tooth and disinfect the area before filling and sealing the tooth. If you fail to address such an infection, it can spread to other healthy teeth. 


  • Extractions: When a cavity, infection, or fracture deeply penetrates a tooth and doesn’t respond to other treatments, a tooth extraction becomes necessary. This procedure protects the surrounding teeth from potential infection by removing the problematic tooth from its socket and replacing it with a titanium or zirconium implant.


  • Teeth Whitening: Teeth can develop a yellowish tint as they age. Yet comprehensive general dentistry services may include aesthetic treatments such as teeth bleaching or whitening. Professional teeth whitening offers superior results to at-home remedies by delivering longer-lasting outcomes. It’s a safe bleaching process that lightens the shade of teeth to a brilliant white. 

Professional General Dentistry Services in Waynesboro, VA!

Your smile is part of your personality, so keep up-to-date on necessary general dentistry services. At Hillcrest Dental, our team leverages the latest dental technology and high-quality care to treat Waynesboro, VA, residents and families. For more information and to schedule your next appointment, call (434) 973-2224 today.

  • "I am very pleased with how my appointment went yesterday. Everyone was really friendly. They explained everything to me about the procedure and stayed late to assure I was comfortable with the work I had done. Dr Ryan Buckwalter and his assistants were awesome. I highly recommend them for any dental work. Thank you."

    Donnette M.

  • "I was having toothache pain in my lower jaw. I called the next day to make an appointment and was given an appointment time for the very next day. I saw Dr. Ryan, who is knowledgeable, caring and has great people skills with his patients. I made another appointment to come back and have the work done."

    Denise K.

  • “Dr. Buckwalter and his assistant did a wonderful job with our 8 year old today. While they were busy talking teeth, my 3 year old was enjoying his new lip balm and balloon! Finished up with a treat from Starbucks with our gift card. So glad our kiddos don’t fear the dentist. More like they want to keep stopping in."

    Logan D.

  • “Unbelievable experience with Dr. Ryan Buckwalter. Night and Day difference from my last dental experience with another dentist. I no longer fear the dentist!”

    David S.