General Dentistry

The health of your mouth, teeth, and gums depends on regular visits to your general dentist. Why do individuals put off dental visits? When visiting the dentist, it's not unusual to feel worried or anxious. In addition, many people are concerned about the cost of medical care and examinations as preventative measures. However, you aren't the only one who doesn't go to the dentist because of a lack of awareness of how essential checkups are, what they cover, and what a general dentist can offer. We'll explain General Dentistry and why regular dental exams are vital.

Definition:

General dentistry comprises all oral and maxillofacial pathology aspects and their influence on human health. A general dentist provides these services according to their training and expertise and according to the profession's ethics and relevant legal standards. 

General dentistry focuses on preventing illness rather than treating those who already have it. According to estimates, nearly two-thirds of all dental operations are diagnostic or preventative. General Dentists assist patients avoid worsening oral disorders by emphasizing the need for good oral hygiene. Because in the long run, unaddressed discomfort might develop from these conditions.

Scope of Work:

Currently, dentists who practice general dentistry account for the vast majority (80%) of all dental practitioners. Unlike specialists, regular dentists offer a variety of procedures like preventive and restorative services, x-rays, dental cleanings, cavity fillings, and sealants. People of all ages receive most of their dental treatment from general practitioners.

• Routine dental appointments include a complete inspection of your mouth (including teeth, gums, and other tissues).
• A professional cleaning.
• An in-depth discussion of your dental (and general) well-being.
• If you have tooth decay, you'll need a filling.

Even though these procedures are widespread, your general dentist offers much more than just this.

Types of Services

General dentists provide a wide range of services, categorized as restorative, preventative, and cosmetic dentistry.

Preventive treatments:

These prevent oral illness from spreading. Regular dental examinations, skilled tooth cleanings, and diagnostic images like X-rays are essential in preventive treatment to keep gum disease at bay. Your dentist may offer you guidelines to enhance your at-home dental hygiene. In addition, if you are physically active, your dentist can provide you with a custom-made mouthguard. Preventive therapy can only be successful if the patient and general dentist collaborate properly. 

Routine examinations: 

Developing a personalized dental treatment plan begins with a regular checkup. It helps your dentist determine what treatment you need for dental health. Dental examinations, sometimes known as "dental checkups," give a comprehensive review of head and neck tissues, jaw joints, mouth, teeth, and gums—detecting underlying oral health issues such as infection, tooth decay, and oral malignancy.

Preventing problems from getting worse is the goal of a routine physical exam. These regular checkups are critical since many oral health disorders are "silent" and go unreported. It is essential to realize that a normal dental exam will not avoid oral health concerns. It looks at your specific circumstances and develops a strategy to help you prevent complications and enhance your dental health in general.

X-Rays:

A dental X-ray exhibits a lot of information about your teeth and gums that an oral examination alone cannot provide. Dentists rely on X-rays to detect oral abnormalities that aren't always apparent to the patient's naked eye or tactile feel.

• Without an x-ray, it's impossible to tell if you have decay between your teeth. 
• An X-ray can show small abscesses or tumors that are difficult to detect during an oral examination.
• An x-ray may be necessary for dental treatment like dental implants to get a clearer picture of the teeth' location.

Restorative Services:

Your dentist will ensure that you receive quick and proper treatment if there is an issue. Restoring a tooth's function and appearance by filling a cavity is one of the most common (and cost-effective) dental restorations. Restorative dentistry provided by general dentists does not stop there. It includes dental trauma which needs immediate attention, such as a shattered, loosed, or knocked-out tooth. General dentists can treat tooth discomfort or gum disease. They may also assist you in acquiring dentures, putting crowns or bridges, and help you seek care for missing teeth. Root canal therapy and dental implants are just a few of the more specialized services some general practices offer.

Cosmetic dentistry:

Among dentistry's most rapidly expanding specialties is cosmetic dentistry. This is an option for many individuals who want to look their best. These procedures improve a person's smile, promoting their confidence and enhancing their attractiveness. A certified dental practitioner can safely perform aesthetic procedures on patients of any age. Options for treatment include veneers and in-office professional whitening.

Takeaway:

The frequency and severity of dental problems increase with age. Taking good care of your natural teeth, such as frequent dentist appointments, a balanced diet, and appropriate care at home, is best to preserve them. Please make an appointment with your family dentist to learn more about the services you need and to have your smile restored before it is too late! 

Dental Exam:

A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:

• Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
• Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
• Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
• Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
• Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.