What is General Dentistry?
David E.

 

Dentists, in general, work to preserve the health and look of teeth as well as prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat illnesses of the oral cavity. Visual examinations and evaluations of tooth and gum health, teeth and gum X-rays, sleep apnea therapy , tooth sealants, and minor dental operations such as cavity removals, root canals, dental crowns, and cleanings are the fundamental focus of general dentistry. Numerous abnormalities and disorders of the mouth might be symptoms of other illnesses. For these types of issues, patients may be referred by a general dentist to a specialist for additional examination and treatment.

 

 

Since general dentists are our primary dental caretakers, they treat and manage all aspects of dental care . To keep your teeth healthy, functionally sound, and aesthetically pleasing, general dentistry provides a wide range of procedures. Here’s a quick breakdown of these processes:

 

  • Dental sealants are a material applied to the surface of tooth enamel to protect it from acid and plaque in the mouth and prevent damage to the tooth. Dental fillings are used to repair damage to a tooth usually caused by dental decay.
  • Root canal treatments are a procedure to restore and save a significantly damaged or infected tooth, rather than extracting it. The infected pulp is removed during the process and then the surfaces inside the tooth are cleaned and sterilized.
  • Dental crowns restore teeth that are either entirely broken or decayed, restoring the tooth’s normal size, shape, and function. Crowns come in porcelain, gold, silver, and  Zirconia.
  • Bridgework replacements are positioned around the teeth to fill in a gap and help restore your bite, smile, and oral health. If you are missing a tooth or teeth, a dental bridge can help.
  • Dentures are another method for replacing broken and missing teeth. These prosthetic teeth are usually made from plastic, particularly acrylic resin or porcelain.
  • Dental implants are posts, usually made of titanium, that is surgically placed in the jaw.  A crown or bridge is then cemented on top of the post to restore a person’s look or ability to chew.     
  • Tooth extraction is a procedure to remove teeth that are severely damaged or decayed.

 

Oral health is an important component of overall wellness. Frequent mouth infections can cause major general health problems such as cardiovascular disease. It is critical to take care of your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues as they have a significant effect on the internal organs of your body. Many people only visit the dentist when they have a problem. As a result, they are missing out on many preventive treatments that might save them time and money in the long run. Regular dental appointments are necessary to ensure that oral health problems, ranging from tooth decay to oral cancer, are diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Some people may require more frequent visits to the dentist to keep problems like plaque buildup and gum disease under control, but everyone should visit their dentist at least twice a year.

 

When Should I See a General Dentist?

 

It is recommended to see a general dentist every six months. The interval between visits is short enough for the teeth and gums to be repaired if they are in poor condition. Some situations call for an urgent appointment. You might have a clear indication that something in your mouth requires immediate treatment; for example, toothaches, bad breath , bleeding gums, discolored teeth, and sensitivity while eating or drinking are all possible symptoms.  A general dentist may, however, recommend more regular appointments in specific instances. Routine dental visits are required for anyone wearing braces. Patients with a history of cavities and gum disease should have a planned dental visit schedule to ensure that their oral health is not compromised.

 

 

The most effective way to avoid dental disease is to adhere to a recommended preventive treatment plan and practice adequate oral hygiene at home. Schedule an appointment with 24/7 Local Dentist Group online or call us at (833) 220-2448. Our team of 15 dentists and specialists will answer all your questions and address any concerns you may have.

 

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