Regular visits to your general dentist are essential for maintaining the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums. A good many people put off going to the dentist because they are scared, anxious, or perhaps cost is an issue.
If you don't visit your general dentist because you don't understand how important checkups are, what they cover, and what they aim to achieve, you're not alone. This blog will talk about what general dentistry is and why routine exams are so important.
What is General Dentistry?
General dentistry encompasses a wide range of treatment options and procedures essential to preserving and improving oral health. A variety of treatments are available to maintain your mouth, gums, and teeth healthy and pain-free. The ultimate purpose of general dentists, like that of a general practitioner, is to prevent and diagnose disease.
Services Offered By General Dentists
Preventive services
These contribute to maintaining good oral health by preventing the disease from taking root in your mouth. A cornerstone of prevention is regular exams (including diagnostic imaging such as x-rays) and expert dental cleanings. Your general dentist may give you specific advice to help you improve your dental hygiene at home, as well as recommend preventive procedures like sealants if necessary. In addition, if you live an active lifestyle, your dentist can fit you with a custom-made mouthguard.
Routine examinations
The foundation of your dental plan is a routine checkup. It enables your general dentist to properly outline the treatment that is required to maintain your dental health. A normal examination, sometimes known as a "dental checkup," will include a comprehensive examination of the tissues of your head and neck, jaw joints, mouth, teeth, and gums. It detects any hidden oral health issues, such as illness, tooth decay, or cancer.
A routine examination can detect any anomalies early on and address them before they worsen. This is critical because many oral health problems are "silent" and go unnoticed.
Restorative services
When a problem is discovered, your dentist will make certain that you receive prompt and proper treatment. The removal of tooth decay and placement of a filling in the affected tooth is perhaps the most common (and extremely effective) dental restoration. However, restorative dentistry is not the only service offered by general dentists.
They provide a location where you can go if you have a dental emergency, such as a broken, loosened, or knocked-out tooth. The causes of tooth pain and periodontal (gum) disease can be diagnosed and treated by general dentists. They may also treat missing teeth, place crowns or bridgework, and assist you in getting dentures fitted.
Some dentists also offer more complex procedures like root canal therapy, orthodontics, and dental implants.
Cosmetic dentistry procedures
With various cosmetic procedures, many general dentists can help you get the dazzling smile you've always desired. Teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and cosmetic bonding are some of these options. If you want a brighter smile, talk to your general dentist about a smile makeover.
Book a consultation, in person or virtual, with Eagle Valley Family Dentistry today if you'd like to learn more about our general dental services.