The importance of taking care of your teeth is something you can’t turn a blind eye to. Whether you need routine cleanings or help with a dental issue, general dentists can help you. We are here to tell you all you need to know about general dentistry. So, let’s see how it works and what are the benefits.
What Is General Dentistry?
If you are looking for a good way to keep your teeth and gum healthy, general dentistry can help you. This kind of treatment focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating various dental issues. It includes regular check-ups, cleanings, and treatments to prevent and fix problems like cavities, gum disease, or tooth pain.
A general dentist helps you improve your dental health by spotting issues early and treating them before they get worse. Don’t underestimate general dentists; they can handle everything from basic cleanings to more serious treatments like fillings or removing bad teeth. All ages can use this kind of treatment.
General Dentistry Services
The services of general dentistry are divided into different categories. The most common ones include the following:
Regular Cleanings and Exams
During cleanings, a general dentist usually removes plaque and tartar to prevent cavities and gum disease. Exams are also good ways to detect the problem soon and prevent the issues from getting worse.
Fillings for Cavities
When a tooth has a cavity, a general dentist will clean out the decay and fill the space with materials like composite or metal. This stops the decay from getting worse.
Tooth Extractions
When your tooth is too damaged to be repaired, you may need an extraction. Dental extraction removes the tooth safely and can lead to pain relief and infection prevention.
Gum Disease Treatment
If you have gum disease, a general dentist will offer you scaling and root planing, deep cleanings, or other procedures to stop the infection and protect your gums and teeth from more damage.
X-Rays and Diagnostics
Dentists usually use X-rays to see below the surface of your teeth and gums. They help discover issues that you can’t see with your eyes, like impacted teeth, bone loss, or infections.
Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry means preventive measures that can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy before problems occur. General dentists typically offer different services like sealants, fluoride treatments, and regular check-ups. These services help patients prevent cavities, gum disease, and other complications.
Teeth Whitening
For those who want to have a more beautiful smile, teeth whitening can be a good option. This treatment makes your teeth whiter by removing stains and discoloration. Unlike what many people may think, professional whitening provides longer-lasting results.
What Procedures Do General Dentists Do?
A good general dentist can handle different types of dental care. Some of the most common general dentistry procedures are:
- Dental fillings for cavities
- Root canals to save infected teeth
- Crowns to restore damaged teeth
- Bridges and dentures to replace missing teeth
- Treatment for gum disease
- Preventative care like fluoride treatments and sealants
How Often Should You See a General Dentist?
Preventative care is the best way to avoid expensive and painful procedures later. So, You better visit your general dentist regularly. Let’s dive into more details:
- For services like fluoride treatments and X-rays, your dentist will tell you how often you need them based on your specific needs.
- When it comes to problems like cavities and fillings, you should see your general dentist as soon as you notice any signs or problems.
- Regular visits and cleanings, a least twice a year, help detect potential dental problems before they get more serious.
- If you experience pain, swelling, or other dental issues, don’t put off seeing a doctor.
What Are the Qualifications of a General Dentist?
General dentists must have a bachelor’s degree followed by a dental school program, which typically lasts four years. After completing their education, they receive a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. It can also be a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. These qualifications ensure that general dentists are qualified enough to provide all dental care services.
Pediatric vs. General Dentist
A pediatric dentist is a general dentist for children from ages 1 to 18, while a general dentist provides care for patients of all ages. If you have children, you better go to a pediatric dentist. In fact, general dentists are also capable of treating children and can offer family-friendly services, which makes them a great option for families in Arizona.
What Are the Benefits of General Dentistry?
Focusing on preventative care is the key benefit of general dentistry. General dentists can also meet a wide variety of dental needs under one roof. Let’s learn the benefits of general dentistry for each dental service:
- Regular cleanings help remove plaque and tartar and decrease the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- X-rays help detect potential issues early and prevent future problems.
- Services like fillings can quickly treat cavities
- Gum treatment stops infections from spreading
- Fluoride treatments strengthen teeth to prevent decay.
General Dentistry and Orthodontics
While general dentists provide different dental services, orthodontists specialize only in straightening teeth and fixing bite issues. Many general dentists work closely with orthodontists to provide better care for their patients. In case you need braces or other orthodontic treatments, your general dentist can help you.
General Dentistry Near Me in Arizona
If you’re looking for a good place for your dental affairs in Arizona, Central Valley Dentistry can help you. Our professionals got you covered! We provide various services to meet your dental needs and make your smile brighter. If you are still unsure and don’t know which center to choose, make an online appointment for free consultation.
FAQs
General dentistry works on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of common dental issues. They include cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Yes, general dentists can perform deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) to treat gum disease.
General dentist care helps maintain your oral health, preventing more serious dental problems in the future.
Absolutely. Regular visits to a general dentist can prevent costly and painful dental issues, saving you time and money in the long run.
Yes, general dentists can fit and provide dentures to replace missing teeth. They offer several options, including full and partial dentures.