General dentistry is a medical practice that provides care for teeth by preventing, diagnosing, evaluating, and treating oral cavities. General dentistry focuses on preserving the appearance and healthy state of teeth. In addition, general dentists are focused on ensuring your real teeth remain in good condition for a long time. They also make sure any diagnosed oral problems get the required help from a specialist and on time.
Up to 80% of dentist practitioners usually practice general dentistry as it’s regarded as primary dental care.
General Dentistry Services
General dentists are not limited to a specific area of dental specialization; however, they provide various dental services. They can also treat persons of every age. General dentists offer the following services:
- Dental exams
- Oral cancer screening
- Professional teeth cleaning
- X-rays
- Dental sealing
- Cavity fillings
- Dental crowns
- Gingivitis treatment
- Dental bridges
- Removable dentures
- Cosmetic dentistry
- Tooth extractions
- Restorative dentistry
- TMD treatment
- Root canal treatment
Several general dentists are specialists in restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.
When Should a General Dentist be Visited?
Teeth are an essential part of the body as they facilitate the grinding of food that helps our body grow. Since we eat daily, we face the risk of having oral health problems. Based on current widely-accepted health guidelines, we should go to a dentist whenever we feel uncomfortable about an oral issue or at least at six-month intervals.
However, most people will usually visit a dentist as a last resort, which is not a good process. Visiting a dentist regularly or upon the first signs of an ache or teeth issues can help prevent oral problems. Any oral health problem diagnosed at an early stage can be stopped and treated sooner. If you want to have your natural teeth longer, you have to start making routine visits to a dentist.
What Happens During a Visit with a Dentist?
The dentist first checks the condition of your gums and teeth, often accompanied by screening for oral cancer. The oral cancer screening examines for any suspicious signs within the oral cavity. Then you will undergo a professional dental cleaning conducted with special instruments to clean away any plaque deposits that remain despite regular flossing and brushing. After that, the dentist may recommend or carry out more procedures depending on the condition of your gums and teeth.
In Conclusion
In order to maintain good health, oral hygiene is essential. Many oral health problems and diseases can indicate underlying health problems. Brushing and flossing at least twice daily and seeing your general dentist twice a year are necessary to ensure healthy teeth and gums.
A dentist is a partner for your health, so choosing one shouldn’t be taken lightly. However, finding the right general dentist for you can be a challenge.
Find a dentist that is well-known in your area. You can search for a dentist through word of mouth or online directories. Any reputable dentist will have a website or social media pages to build up their clientele. Find out how long the dentist has been in business if they have any certifications and their experience. Doing this research is very important. A very experienced dentist or whose website boasts multiple years of experience is a far better choice than one who has just gotten out of school. Your teeth are very delicate and can be prone to damage. An experienced dentist can help you avoid more significant issues and is a better partner for your health.
Start with a consultation. A consultation is essential not only for the dentist but for you as well. By having a consultation, you can get a sense of what they can do for you and know if they’re the right fit.
