General dentists are trained to perform a wide variety of procedures. General dentistry covers check-ups to fillings of all kinds. It also includes crowns, bridges and dentures, implants, root canal therapy, wisdom teeth removal, and treatment for gum disease. Children’s dental services are also an important part of general dentistry along with preventative services such as cleanings and fluoride treatments.
General dentists are highly trained and they work in the areas of cosmetic, restorative, and preventive dental care.
In this blog post we will review some common procedures that general dentists provide in their office but is not limited to:
Checkups:
General dental checkups include a tooth and gum exam, and often also include x-rays. A check-up can help to detect any potential issues in the future such as cavities or gum disease.
Cleanings:
Cleaning is a process that removes plaque from teeth and gums to prevent or treat gum disease.
Teeth whitening:
Teeth whitening treatments are available in toothpaste, gel, strips, light treatment, or laser procedure which can be used for patients.
Fillings:
A filling is a small amount of material that’s placed to fill in space where tooth decay or injury has taken place.
Crowns:
A crown, also known as a cap, is an artificial covering that fits over and covers part of the natural tooth structure which cannot be saved for various reasons.
Bridges:
A dental restoration replaces tooth loss by bridging a missing tooth with an artificial tooth or dental implant.
Dentures:
A denture is a set of dental prosthetics that replace natural teeth in the mouth. Usually, conventional dentures are removable, however, some may be permanently placed with implants.
Dental Implants:
An artificial tooth that is implanted into the jaw permanently and used to replace a missing natural tooth, or multiple teeth. After the implant heals, an abutment with a crown is placed giving the tooth a natural look and function.
Root canal therapy:
The process of removing all the soft tissue inside an infected or otherwise diseased tooth, cleaning and filling it with an inert material to prevent bacteria from growing in there again.
Wisdom teeth removal:
Removing wisdom teeth is important. If you are to prevent future problems from wisdom teeth, they should be removed between the ages of 16-18 (usually). X-rays will determine how many wisdom teeth you have and if you are ready for them to be removed.
Treatment for gum disease:
Gum disease is often caused by plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth. It can also be a result of poor oral hygiene. Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, is an early-stage symptom that sometimes does not show symptoms until more advanced stages have been reached.
Tooth Extraction:
If a tooth has no chance of being saved, it needs to be removed. This is done by drilling away the remaining tooth structure and then extracting with forceps or pliers.
Dental Emergencies:
In the event of a dental emergency, call your dentist and try to set up an appointment as soon as possible. Time is of the essence in many cases. Not just to relieve pain, but also to save a tooth.
Dental Services for Children:
Much of today’s dentistry is focused on preventing tooth decay in young patients, although they still perform general procedures such as fillings, root canals, and other dental surgeries.
Dental Veneers (Porcelain):
A dental veneer is a thin shell of tooth-colored porcelain that covers the front surface of your teeth. It can be applied in one visit and requires no removal or preparation to the natural teeth. Veneers are used for cosmetic purposes, primarily to hide stains or misshapen gums. Book your appointment at Porcelain Veneers Houston now!!!
Regular dental visits allow dentists to stay on top of potential problems. Preventative dental care and a willingness to treat even the slightest of issues before they get bad are paramount for anyone who wants to maintain their teeth.
The best way to prevent dental disease outside of good quality personal oral hygiene is through regular checkups with your dentist. General dentists will work with dental insurance providers as well as offer other options, like cash and credit card payments.
In order to prepare for your first dental visit, aim to arrive early. This will give you time to complete any necessary paperwork and registration with the dentist before being seen.
To make a dental appointment with dentist Bellaire, contact us today!