General dentistry in Elmira, NY
General dentistry at Chemung Family Dental
Everyday care that keeps small problems small. Checkups, cleanings, fillings, and gum care from a team that knows your history, explains what it sees, and never rushes you.
- Prevention first, treatment when needed
- Digital x-rays and oral cancer screening
- Every age, one office
- ★★★★★4.9 from 440+ Google reviews
- Dr. Richard Dunn, DDS, FACD
The foundation
Small problems are easier to fix
Most dental problems start quietly. A regular visit catches them while the fix is simple, comfortable, and inexpensive.
General dentistry focuses on prevention, early diagnosis, and practical treatment. We believe it should be thoughtful and conservative: protect what is healthy, treat problems early, and explain every recommendation so you can decide with confidence.
And if it has been a while, that is okay. Whether you visit like clockwork or are coming back after years away, we will help you move forward comfortably.
General dentistry services
What everyday care includes
The essentials that keep your smile healthy and working.
Exams and cleanings
A thorough checkup and a professional cleaning that removes what brushing misses.
Fillings
Repair a cavity early with a filling that matches your tooth.
Gum disease care
Bleeding gums are treatable. Catch it early and keep your teeth.
Family dentistry
Kids, parents, and grandparents in one office.
Emergency care
Pain, swelling, or a broken tooth? Call and we will help.
Cosmetic care
Whitening, bonding, and veneers when you are ready.
At every checkup
What we look for, and why
A checkup is more than a cleaning. Here is what happens and what each part protects.
| Part of the visit | What it protects |
|---|---|
| Exam | Catches decay, cracks, and worn fillings early, while the fix is small. |
| Digital x-rays | Shows problems between teeth and below the gumline that cannot be seen by eye. |
| Gum check | Measures the gum attachment so gum disease is found before it loosens teeth. |
| Oral cancer screening | A quick check of the tongue, cheeks, and throat for changes worth a closer look. |
| Cleaning | Removes hardened tartar that brushing and flossing cannot, which drives gum disease. |
| Fluoride, when helpful | Strengthens enamel for patients at higher risk of cavities. |
What to expect
The Chemung checkup process
Catch up
We review your health history and ask about anything that has been bothering you.
Exam and x-rays
A gentle, thorough exam with digital x-rays when you need them.
Cleaning
Our hygienists remove plaque and tartar and polish your teeth.
Your plan
Dr. Dunn explains what he found. If anything needs treatment, you get options and an estimate first.
Insurance and payment
Clear answers about cost
We want getting care to be easy. Call us with your plan details and our team will check your benefits and explain what is covered before treatment starts.
Insurance, handled
We file your claims. Most dental PPO plans still pay toward care here as out-of-network benefits.
How insurance worksPay over time
Cash, check, and major cards, plus monthly plans through Cherry and CareCredit.
Payment optionsAsk us first
Not sure what your plan covers? Call us and a real person will check for you.
Call (607) 734-2045Why it matters
Your mouth and your health
Research continues to link gum disease with problems elsewhere in the body, including heart disease and diabetes. Keeping your gums healthy is part of looking after your overall health.
Skipping checkups rarely saves money. A cavity caught early needs a small filling. Left alone, the same tooth can need a root canal and a crown.
- Same faces each visit. Our team averages more than fifteen years with the practice.
- Honest recommendations. We tell you what can wait as readily as what cannot.
- Easy scheduling. Book online or call, and fill out forms from home.
What is general dentistry?
General dentistry is the everyday care that keeps your teeth and gums healthy: exams, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, gum care, oral cancer screening, and urgent care when something goes wrong. It is the foundation every other kind of dental care builds on.
How often should I see the dentist?
Most people do well with a checkup and cleaning every six months. Some patients, especially those with gum disease, need visits more often. We will recommend a schedule based on your mouth, not a template.
What happens at a checkup?
We examine your teeth, gums, and the soft tissues of your mouth, take digital x-rays when you need them, check for signs of decay, infection, gum disease, and oral cancer, and clean away plaque and tartar that brushing cannot reach.
Are digital x-rays safe?
Digital x-rays use a low dose of radiation, and we only take them when they will tell us something we need to know.
What kind of fillings do you use?
Tooth-colored composite fillings that blend with your natural teeth and preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. More about fillings.
It has been years since my last visit. Where do I start?
With a normal new-patient visit. Nobody will lecture you. We will look at where things stand and walk you through your options at your pace. What to expect.
Do you treat children?
Yes. We see patients of every age, so the whole family can be cared for in one office. Family dentistry.
What if I have a dental emergency?
Call us at (607) 734-2045. We will tell you what to do right away and work to get you seen. Emergency care.
Will insurance cover my checkups?
Many dental plans cover preventive visits well. We file the claim for you and can check your benefits before your appointment.
Patient stories
Why people love Chemung Family Dental
The hygienist Rita is most patient centered, very professional and expertly skilled. She immediately sets the patient at ease… The office staff made me feel like I was a long term patient, despite the fact that this is my first visit to this practice.
Everyone is so friendly…and understanding! I have never been a fan of going to the dentist but they all make it so comfortable!
I am a new patient at Chemung Family Dental but I feel like I have been going there for years. They make you feel very welcome.
I can’t say enough good things about this place. EVERYONE is compassionate and caring. Ann is so kind and helpful at the front desk.
I was self conscious about my teeth, but I was very comfortable asking questions. They offered options for my treatment and it was my decision. No pushy sales pitches for more expensive treatments.
Keep exploring
Related care
Protect your smile today
Book a checkup online or call us. If it has been a while, you are still welcome.