Services Offered in a General Dental Care Office

Your oral health is as vital as your general body health. Some oral conditions such as oral cancer are associated with severe symptoms that can affect your entire body, and in worst cases, be life-threatening. It’s essential to care for your oral structures the same way you do for the rest of your body.  

Proper dental care and hygiene are not only crucial for your oral health, but also crucial to your overall health. Poor oral hygiene and health can increase your risk of developing health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and high blood pressure.  

Practicing proper dental care and hygiene at home is important but visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings is vital. A dentist plays a significant role in preventing dental problems and promoting oral health. 

What is a General Dentist?

The general dental practice involves providing dental care and advice to dental patients. A general dentist is trained to prevent, diagnose, and treat dental conditions while helping you to maintain good oral functionality and appearance.  

Procedures Offered in General Dentistry

If you’re wondering what happens in a general dental office, below are six procedures to expect:

1. Dental Examination 

During a routine visit to your dentist, they will perform an exam of your mouth, including gums, bone, teeth, and other structures, to evaluate your oral health. The dentist will look for signs of diseases such as tumors, cavities, and periodontitis.

The dentist may also need to take x-ray images to evaluate your condition more closely. If any conditions are identified, the dentist will offer the necessary treatment or advice. Make sure to notify your dentist of any symptoms, regardless of how minor they may be.  

2. Dental Cleanings 

Dental cleanings are essential in preventing various dental issues such as cavities and gum disease. Regardless of how thorough you are at brushing and flossing, it’s still possible for debris and food particles to get trapped around the teeth.  

These substances build up to form plaque, which, if left for too long, hardens to tartar. This increases your chances of developing cavities and gum disease. During the dental cleaning, the dentist will get rid of any plaque, bacteria, and tartar. If your teeth are stained, the dentist can perform a whitening treatment. 

3. Cosmetic Procedures 

Cosmetic treatment focuses on improving your oral appearance and smile. A general dentist can perform cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening, teeth alignment, smile makeovers, and much more.  

4. Preventive Services 

According to experts, 65% of dental illnesses can be prevented. A general dentist can conduct several preventive procedures such as dental sealants and fluoride treatment to promote your oral hygiene and health.  

If you have an existing problem like cavities and gum disease, the dentist can perform procedures such as tooth filling, mouth guards, crowning, and root planing and scaling. These procedures seek to prevent further damage to your oral structures.  

5. Restorative Procedures  

A general dentist can extract a tooth and replace it with restorative procedures such as bridges and dentures. They also repair or replace damaged restorations such as fillings and crowns. If you have a broken, weakened, or chipped, tooth, a general dentist can improve its functionality and appearance with dental crowns, veneers, or bonding, among other procedures.  

6. Oral Health Tips 

General dentists also train on proper dental hygiene and nutritional advice to ensure good oral health. Tips offered include:

• Brush thoroughly, at least twice a day.
• Floss regularly. 
• Use fluoride-based toothpaste and mouthwash. 
• Reduce or avoid sugary foods. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars, increasing your risk of developing cavities. 
• Avoid tobacco products. 
• Schedule regular dental cleanings and exams.
• Avoid chewing or biting on hard things.
• Use mouth guards during physical activities. 
• Wear night guards if you have bruxism. 
• Inform your dentist immediately if your restorations are damaged. 

When Should You See a Dentist?

If you have more existing dental conditions, you should visit your dentist every six months and whenever you have an issue with your oral health. Individuals with underlying dental problems should see their dentists more frequently. 

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you interested in general dentist treatments, or would you like to learn more about general dentistry? Contact Barry J. Cunha today to book your appointment.