People who say they are “going to the dentist,” typically mean their bi-annual exam and cleaning. However, many services are offered at dental offices. These procedures can range in what they accomplish, including helping whiten or strengthen teeth, along with fixing cavities and helping to avoid tooth loss.
General dentistry services help in keeping patients’ teeth and mouths in the best shape possible and avoid any issues that could lead to gum disease, tooth loss and cavities. These are vital for keeping teeth in their best shape possible, as well as maintaining a beautiful, bright white smile.
We will look at common general dentistry services and how they can benefit your oral and general health.
General dentistry preventative services
To obtain and keep good oral health requires regular exams and cleanings. Included in these exams will be X-rays and diagnostic imaging that the dentist will determine when you need to have these completed.
X-rays and diagnostic imaging are done during regular dental exams and cleanings to help the dentist detect any possible issues. Even the best dentists cannot see what is happening below the gums, but with these images, they can be detected before any issues arise.
During these exams, you will be taught good at-home dental hygiene habits and any slight adjustments you need to make to avoid issues that may be trying to form in the mouth. Dental sealants are also commonly suggested to help prevent cavities and plaque buildup in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth (typically the back two teeth).
General dentistry restorative services
Occasionally, problems can be found even if you have kept an excellent at-home routine for your teeth. This is common, and the reason that the twice-per-year dental exams and cleanings are vital to your oral health. When issues like cavities are caught early, the process for fixing the problem is minimal. On the other hand, if these issues are not detected or are ignored, a tooth could be lost or require more invasive procedures to rectify the problem.
One of the most common corrective procedures dentists perform is a filling. When a tooth has plaque and decay that cannot be cleaned, this will be used to fix the issue. Avoiding this will cause the tooth to continue to decay until there is enough damage that the tooth will either need to be removed or fall out on its own. This would lead to more extensive procedures that can take many hours and days to have done.
Other issues that can be alleviated include tooth and gum pain.
General dentistry cosmetic procedures
If you want to have a smile you are proud of, general dentistry offices can complete cosmetic treatments as well. This can include a range of procedures from teeth whitening to dental veneers.
Speaking with your dentist about your smile goals is important, as they can guide you in getting the best smile possible.
Have more questions about general dentistry services?
Our trained dental staff is always ready to answer any questions. Contact us today, and we will help you learn more about what we offer.
For more information or to schedule an appointment or consultation with us, call (972) 972-4646. Our office is located in Frisco. Call Archway Dental today.