3 Main Dental Services That Are Provided Through General Dentistry

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It is estimated that there are more than 200,500 dentists in the United States. Out of these, 80% practice as general dentists. If you have a dental problem, you might be wondering whether to see a general dentist or a specialist. You need to understand what each one of them treats before making the final decision.

What is General Dentistry?

Do you know that about 65% of common dental procedures are either preventive or diagnostic? Such procedures don't require a specialist, but someone who is oriented towards the prevention of most oral diseases. This doctor who diagnoses dental conditions, treats them, and manages your overall oral health care needs is a general dentist.

Services That You Can Get Through General Dentistry

If you didn't know, general dentists are the principal providers of dental care to all people, irrespective of their age or gender. If you visit one, you are likely to get any of the following services:

1. Routine Dental Exam

People are advised to visit a dentist at least two times a year, even with the absence of a dental issue. During a dental exam, a general dentist conducts the following procedures:

  • Evaluating your overall oral hygiene.
  • Checking for signs of bite or jaw problems.
  • Assessing the risk of root decay, tooth decay, or gum disease. 
  • Teeth cleaning.
  • Providing oral health education, primarily regarding proper teeth cleaning techniques.
  • Taking a dental x-ray or any other relevant diagnostic procedure.

2. Restorative Dentistry

If you have missing or damaged teeth, general dentistry could be of significant help. The goal of restorative dentistry is to restore the teeth' natural look and shape, save damaged teeth, and replace missing ones. 

If you visit a general dentist, you will get any of the following restorative procedures:

  •  Dental fillings
  •  Bonding treatment
  •  Dental implants surgery
  •  Dental crowns
  •  Removing tooth decay
  •  Teeth straightening

3. Cosmetic Dentistry

If you want to improve the appearance of your teeth, you need to visit a general dentist. General dentistry provides a wide variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures, including:

  • Onlays and Inlays- The indirect fillings help to modify the tooth structure to support a filling.
  •  Composite Bonding- The general dentist repairs damaged, decayed, discolored teeth using materials that resemble your natural enamel.
  •  Dental Veneers- The custom-made caps are used to treat cracked teeth, crooked teeth, or damaged enamel.
  •  Teeth Whitening- The general dentist removes tartar, plague, and other debris, leaving your teeth looking spotlessly white.
  •  Implants- The doctor inserts titanium screws to support artificial teeth. 

Conclusion

Apart from complex dental problems, all other oral procedures are performed by a general dentist. In other words, general dentistry manages most of your common oral needs, including preventive education, root canals, fillings, gum care, implants, bridges, and crowns.

For more information about general dentistry, contact a local dental office, like that of Dr. Jon Douglas Lesan, DDS, RpH, PA.


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