As a family dentist, we often get asked, “What does a general dentist do?” The answer is not as simple as you might think. A general dentist performs a wide range of procedures to maintain oral health and prevent dental issues. From routine cleanings to complex procedures like root canals, your family dentist is equipped to handle all your dental needs.
In this blog post, we will delve into the various services offered by a general dentist and why regular visits are crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.
Preventive Care
Preventive care is the cornerstone of general dentistry. Regular check-ups with your family dentist allow them to spot potential issues early on and take necessary measures to prevent them from escalating into major problems.
Preventive care includes routine cleanings where the dentist/hygienist removes plaque and tartar build-up that regular brushing and flossing can’t reach. These cleanings help prevent cavities and gum disease, which are common dental issues that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
During these visits, your dentist may also perform oral cancer screenings, fluoride treatments, or apply sealants on children’s teeth to protect against decay.
Restorative Services
Despite our best efforts at home with brushing and flossing, sometimes dental issues still arise. When they do, restorative services provided by your family dentist come into play.
One of the most common restorative services is filling cavities. If you have tooth decay or a cavity, your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill it with a material like composite resin or amalgam.
Other restorative services include root canal therapy for infected teeth, crowns for damaged teeth that need reinforcement, bridges and/or implants for missing teeth replacement, treatment for gum diseases like periodontitis and recession, and partials and dentures to replace missing teeth.
Cosmetic Procedures
While maintaining oral health is paramount, many people also want their smiles to look their best. This is where cosmetic dentistry comes in.
Your family dentist can provide several cosmetic procedures that enhance the appearance of your smile. Teeth whitening treatments can brighten stained or discolored teeth, while veneers can cover chipped or misshapen teeth for a more uniform appearance.
For those with crooked or misaligned teeth, orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners are available to straighten out your smile.
Overall Health Concerns
Did you know that your oral health can impact other aspects of your overall health? Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and even certain types of cancer have been linked to oral health problems like gum disease.
As part of their role as healthcare providers, general dentists screen for these conditions during routine check-ups. They may ask about changes in your overall health or medication use since some systemic diseases may affect oral health, too.
In Closing
A visit to your family dentist in Ballantyne involves much more than just checking for cavities; it’s an essential part of maintaining not just good oral health but overall well-being, too.
Whether it’s preventive care to keep dental issues at bay, restorative services when problems arise, cosmetic procedures to enhance your smile, or screening for systemic diseases — a general dentist plays an integral role in managing both our oral and overall health.
So next time you wonder what a general dentist performs — remember they do much more than meets the eye! And if it’s been a while since you’ve seen one — consider scheduling an appointment today because regular visits are key to keeping those pearly whites healthy!
