The one health care provider you see more than any other is your general dentist, and there is a good reason for it. It is because general dentistry is uniquely oriented toward the prevention of disease. In fact, it is estimated that nearly 65 percent of all dental procedures are either diagnostic or preventive. By placing a strong emphasis on oral health and hygiene, general dentists help patients avoid the progression of oral diseases.
At a routine visit to our dental office, we provide you with a thorough examination of your mouth (including teeth, gums, and other oral health structures), a professional cleaning, and a discussion about your dental and overall health. If your exam reveals the presence of tooth decay, cancer, halitosis, or other oral health concerns, we work with you to provide a treatment plan that will suit your individual needs.
What Do General Dentists Do?
Of all the dentists around the world, some 80 percent are general dentists. Unlike specialists, who are mostly focused on a particular aspect of dental practice, general dentists provide a wide array of services that are vital to your continued oral health.
Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry helps you maintain your oral health by providing you with preventive measures to ensure your mouth, teeth, and gums stay healthy. Regular exams (including diagnostic images such as x-rays) and professional teeth cleanings are a cornerstone of prevention. As your general dentist, we provide you with detailed instructions to improve your at-home oral care and may also recommend preventive treatments such as dental sealants or a custom mouth guard.
Restorative Dentistry
When an oral health issue is found, your dentist ensures you receive timely and appropriate treatment. Restorative dentistry involves removing tooth decay and placing a dental filling, repairing a chipped or broken tooth, or replacing a missing tooth. Restorative dentistry also involves the diagnosis and treatment of tooth pain, periodontal (gum) disease, as well as more advanced treatments, such as root canal therapy, orthodontics, and dental implants.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Many general dentists provide procedures to help enhance the look of your smile. Some of these procedures include teeth whitening, dental bonding, and veneers. If a brighter smile is what you are looking for, ask our office about a smile makeover.
Oral Assessments
An oral assessment is a complete review of the condition of your mouth and teeth. Once your assessment is complete, we offer advice and counseling and provide a treatment plan on how to maintain and improve any oral health concerns we find.
Overall Health Concerns
In many respects, your oral health can be seen as a mirror of your overall health. Some dental issues may reflect other health issues in other parts of your body, and vice versa. For example, untreated oral infections can lead to poorer control of diabetes, an increase of cardiovascular disease, and complications during pregnancy. As a general dentist, we are trained to identify these and other oral health issues, and provide appropriate treatment or referrals when needed. One need for a possible referral would include obstructive sleep apnea, a potentially fatal condition that can be treated with an oral appliance. As your general dentist, we can also offer nutrition counseling, advice on tobacco, and general health and wellness information.
When Should I See The Dentist?
You should be visiting our dental office every 4-to-6-months depending on your oral health and the treatment plan you are on. However, if you are experiencing a toothache or bleeding gums, you should call our office to schedule an appointment as these concerns do not go away on their own.
It is important to know that in terms of routine dental appointments, there is not a single schedule that fits all patients. Depending on your individual circumstances, our dentist may want to see you twice a year, every three months, or more often. Whatever it is, do not let those appointments go. Keeping up with the recommended schedule of preventive treatment and practicing effective oral hygiene at home, are the two best ways to prevent oral health diseases and to keep your smile looking bright and healthy.