What Can a General Dental Office Do for You?

What Can a General Dental Office Do for You?

Feb 01, 2022

When you have a dental issue, the first thing to do would be to visit a dental office or clinic near you. General dentists are the leading and most accessible dental care providers. About 80% of dental professionals operate as general dentists. Let’s look closely at what general dentistry involves and how you can benefit from it.

What Is a General Dentist?

A general dentist is a dental professional who deals with the education, evaluation, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region. Unlike dental specialists such as orthodontists who focus on a specific aspect of dental care, general dentists provide an array of dental services.

What Do General Dentists Do?

You may visit your dentist for routine dental exams and cleanings. However, there’s so much more a general dentist can do. Common general dentist treatments include:

  • Preventive dentistry

Preventive dentistry focus on maintaining excellent oral health. It stops and prevents dental conditions before they take hold or develop. Preventive dental measures include:

  • Regular dental exams and cleanings

Good at-home dental hygiene and habits are essential for excellent oral health. However, that’s not enough. Routine dental exams and cleanings are essential to prevent, identify, and treat dental issues before they progress to worse stages. During a routine exam, the dentist looks for signs of dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, oral infections, and oral cancers, among others. Your mouth is also cleaned to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup in the mouth.

  • Fluoride treatments

Fluoride treatments are essential to strengthen your teeth and reverse the effects of cavities and gum disease.

  • Dental sealants

Dental sealants are recommended for individuals such as children who are at a high risk of developing cavities. A sealant is applied to the surfaces of the molars and premolars, reducing the risk of plaque and bacteria buildup in the mouth.

  • Mouthguards

If you have bruxism or are active in sports, your dentist can create a customized mouth guard to protect your mouth from oral damages caused by teeth grinding and sports injuries.

  • Dental care education

To maintain excellent oral hygiene and health, a general dentist can give you some tips about dental care. Among other hygiene tips, the dentist might suggest:

  • Brushing at least twice daily
  • Flossing daily
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. It should be replaced every three months or sooner.
  • Eat healthier and hydrate well
  • Avoid or limit your consumption of colored, sugary, and acidic foods. If you must take them, brush or rinse your mouth afterward.
  • Avoid tobacco products
  • Avoid damaging habits such as chewing nails, ice, and other hard objects.
  • Wearing a mouthguard for contact sports and bruxism
  • Having routine dental exams and cleanings

Restorative dentistry

If the dentist notices any problems, such as cavities, cracks, or chips, they will provide the appropriate treatments. The most common restorative treatment provided by general dentists involves removing teeth decay and filling the tooth. Other restorative procedures that a general dentist can perform include:

  • Bridges and dentures for missing teeth
  • Dental veneers, crowns, fillings, bonding, and inlays & onlays for teeth damages such as cracks, discoloration, and chips.
  • Tooth extractions for severely injured, decayed, overcrowded, or impacted teeth.
  • Root canal therapy
  • Periodontal treatments

Cosmetic dentistry

If you’re not happy about your smile, a general dentist can help you achieve an aesthetically appealing and sparkling smile. The dentist will inspect your mouth and determine the most effective treatment option. Common cosmetic procedures that a general dentist can perform include:

  • Teeth whitening for stained, yellowed, or discolored teeth
  • Veneers for tooth damages such as cracks, chips, and discoloration
  • Bonding and fillings for minor teeth damages
  • Bridges and dentures for missing teeth
  • Crown lengthening and contouring for a gummy smile.

Overall health care

There’s a close relationship between your oral and overall well-being. For instance, neglecting your oral hygiene can increase your risk of developing physical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune conditions, and pregnancy complications. A general dentist is trained to identify and diagnose these issues and offer the appropriate advice or treatment.

Some dental problems can also reflect health concerns such as sleep apnea. Your dentist can treat or manage these symptoms by creating a customized mouth guard and offering nutritional and general health counseling.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you looking for general dental services, or do you need more information on general dental practice? Contact Westwood Dental Group today to book your appointment.

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