General Dentistry

In Gulf Breeze, FL

At Barrineau DDS, maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile is made effortless through our expert care. Dr. Barrineau integrates the latest research-backed techniques to provide comfortable, effective dental care.

Whether you are visiting for routine cleanings or complex restorative needs, our expertise ensures your dental health is expertly maintained.

Dental Exams and Cleanings

Dr Barrineau will evaluate your specific dental needs and recommend the best treatment, care and services for you.

Professional Cleanings

Your dental hygienist will begin your cleaning by examining the surface of your teeth to determine if you have any cavities and to examine the quality of existing fillings. The dental hygienist will then perform a periodontal exam to make sure your gums adhere tightly to your teeth, and that no periodontal disease or bone loss may be occurring. 

This exam is the initial exam. The dentist will come in for a more thorough examination after your teeth have been cleaned.

Next, your hygienist will carefully clean your teeth with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from your teeth. Then your hygienist will floss your teeth, use a polishing compound, and apply fluoride. 

Your comfort is important to us. We offer several modalities to foster a peaceful dental experience such as individualized music options, noise canceling headphones, eye masks, and back massagers to help ensure your comfort while at our office.

staff treating patient
dr barrineau speaking with patient in dental chair

The Exam

During your exam, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. Your dentist may also want to take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. 

The digital X-rays will provide images which will help your dentist discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye.

If your dentist or hygienist finds tooth decay or gum disease, they will talk to you about changing your brushing or flossing habits. In severe cases, they may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatments. If your teeth and gums appear to be healthy, your dentist will probably recommend that you continue your brushing and flossing routine as usual.

Preventing Problems Before They Start

The health of your teeth and mouth is very important to the well-being of your entire body. While routine brushing and flossing at home is necessary to keep your smile looking its best, visiting your dentist for a detailed exam and cleaning is an essential part of keeping your smile healthy.

By routinely seeing your dentist for exams and cleanings, you can:

  • Prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
  • Avoid additional procedures that can be costly and extensive.
  • Keep your teeth white by reducing staining from food and drinks.
  • Shorten the time spent in your dentist’s office.
  • Have a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.

The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist every six months to ensure your teeth stay healthy and your smile stays beautiful.

Dental Fillings from Dr. Barrineau

Dental fillings include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These compounds, often called composite resins, are usually used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important, but they can also be used on the back teeth depending on the location and extent of the tooth decay.

What Type of Dental Fillings Are Right For Me?

Before your treatment begins, your doctor will discuss with you all of your options and help you choose the best filling for your particular case. Several factors influence the performance, durability, longevity, and expense of dental restorations, including:

  • The components used in the filling material
  • The amount of tooth structure remaining
  • The location of the filling and how the filling is placed
  • The chewing load that the tooth will have to bear
  • The length and number of visits needed to prepare and adjust the restored tooth

Different Styles of Dental Fillings

In preparation for this discussion, it may be helpful to understand the two basic types of dental fillings—direct and indirect.

  • Direct fillings are placed into a prepared cavity in a single visit. They include glass ionomers, resin ionomers, and composite (resin) fillings. The dentist prepares the tooth, places the filling, and adjusts it in one appointment.
  • Indirect fillings require 1–2 visits. They include inlays, onlays, veneers, crowns, and bridges fabricated with gold, base metal alloys, ceramics, or composites. During the first visit, the dentist prepares the tooth and makes an impression of the area to be restored. The dentist then places a temporary covering over the prepared tooth. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory, which creates the dental restoration. At the next appointment, the dentist cements the restoration into the prepared cavity and adjusts it as needed.

With our commitment to research-backed techniques and high-quality materials, you can trust Barrineau DDS to address your unique oral health needs with precision and care.

mother and son smiling

Oral Cancer Screening

Our office is not only dedicated to your smile, we’re also dedicated to your overall wellness. We take a comprehensive, patient-based approach to your dental care, which means we include an oral cancer screening as a part of your regular exam. Like many kinds of cancer, oral cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

We have the skills and tools to ensure that early signs and symptoms of oral cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified. While common oral cancer symptoms may be caused by other, less serious problems, it is very important to visit our office to rule out the possibility of oral cancer. The most common symptoms of oral cancer include:

  • Red or white spots or sores anywhere in the oral cavity
  • Sores that bleed easily or do not heal
  • Lumps, thickening, or rough spots
  • Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue

Our team is trained in a simple, quick screening that involves an examination of your oral cavity as a whole, not just your teeth, to detect cancerous and precancerous conditions. Besides a visual examination of your mouth, we will also feel the tissue of your mouth and throat to detect any abnormalities. 

If we find an area of concern, we may perform a simple test, such as a brush test, which collects cells from a suspicious lesion in the mouth to be sent to a laboratory for analysis. If this test comes back atypical or positive, we may recommend a biopsy.

Preventing Oral Cancer

Aside from receiving an oral cancer screening during your checkup at our office, there are many things you can do to help prevent oral cancer:

  • Avoid all tobacco products
  • Drink alcohol in moderation
  • Maintain a healthy, balanced diet
  • Limit your exposure to the sun
  • Wear UV-A/B-blocking, sun-protection on your lips and skin

During your next dental appointment, ask your dentist to perform an oral exam. Early detection of oral cancer can improve the chance of successful treatment.

Experience Exceptional Oral Healthcare with Dr. Nicole Barrineau

Dr Barrineau and her team focus on providing both adults and children with individualized care, resolving their dental issues based on their needs, timelines, and desired outcomes. When you choose Barrineau DDS as your dental office, you choose:

  • An award-winning dentist
  • State-of-the-art technologies
  • Research-backed, proven procedures and techniques
  • A well-educated staff
  • A relaxing and patient-oriented environment
  • The personalized care you deserve

Our team is passionate about creating the best dental experience for everyone we meet. We look forward to providing you with the personalized, high-quality care that sets our practice apart.

Achieve a Radiant Smile with Barrineau DDS

With regular dental cleanings and checkups, dental cleanings, checkups, and state of the art restorative care, we will ensure your smile remains radiant and healthy with our comprehensive care. Contact our Gulf Breeze, FL, office, conveniently located just 15 minutes from East Hill, Navarre and downtown Pensacola, for personalized dental care.

Schedule Appointment