General dentistry covers a range of treatment options and procedures fundamental to protecting and maintaining a good standard of oral health. Treatments are in place to keep your mouth, gums, and teeth healthy and free of pain.
Services offered by general dentist include:
A routine examination is at the center of creating your personal dental plan. It will provide a thorough inspection oft he tissues of your head and neck, jaw joints, mouth, teeth, and gums.
A routine examination can spot early signs of any irregularities and treat them before they progress further. This is extremely important as many oral health issues are “silent” and go unnoticed.
Most routine examinations will not only involve your general dentist physically looking at your mouth but will also take pictures using X-rays to further evaluate your oral health. This is to check how your teeth line up when you bite, check for cavities, check the positioning of all your teeth and jaw, and check for any abnormalities including bone loss.
Restorative treatment is the term given to treatment which aims to restore broken or damaged teeth. Common restorative treatments include:
Fillings are used to treat tooth cavities and caries, which are holes in the teeth. Cavitated teeth are prone to a buildup of bacteria and if not addressed early, further complications such as infection and tooth loss could arise.
When a tooth is badly infected at its center, a procedure known as root canal treatment (Endodontic treatment) may be performed to remove infection and restore the tooth.
When the pulp is infected it cannot heal on its own and delaying treatment could result in the tooth loos.
When you have a tooth which is extensively damaged or at high risk of fracture, a traditional filling might not be sufficient to support it long term. In these situations, your general dentist might suggest a dental crown is used to restore the affected tooth.
When a tooth needs to be removed fully from the mouth, a general dentist can carry this out quickly in a painless session. The tooth will then be replaced with a dental prosthesis such as an implant, bridge or crown.
Preventive treatment is there to help you look after your oral health and prevent diseases before they arise or become too problematic. This usual includes procedures for good oral hygiene and a heathy diet.
Many general dentists can offer cosmetic treatments to improve the aesthetics of your smile, such as teeth whitening or veneers (fasete).
During your routine examination, your dentist will tell you how often they would like to see you depending on your individual circumstances. That is at least every 6 months or twice a year.
