GENERAL DENTISTRY
What is General Dentistry?
The general dental practice is a specialty that includes more than just teeth cleanings and checkups. General dentistry also includes routine treatments including fillings, extractions, root canal treatment, porcelain crowns or veneers, and bridges or implants.
General dentists are trained to ensure oral health by maintaining healthy tissues in the mouth. General dentists must also diagnose and treat oral wounds, ulcers, tumors, or cysts that may become cancerous if left untreated.
Teeth Cleanings and Checkups
Regular teeth cleanings and checkups are necessary components of general dentistry. These visits help to ensure that the mouth is free from plaque, tartar buildup, and bacteria which can lead to cavities in your teeth or other dental issues.
Fillings
Fillings are one of general dentistry's most common treatments. A filling is used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay, injury, or infection and will help prevent the damage from spreading to other teeth in your mouth.
Many general dentists offer crowns for teeth when necessary as well as dental bridges which serve to span the gap left by one or more missing teeth.
Extractions
In general dentistry, tooth extraction is the act of removing an unhealthy natural tooth from your mouth that cannot be restored to its proper function and shape because it has been damaged beyond repair. The decision to extract will depend on the number and severity of other dental issues in your mouth as well as the ability to restore your natural teeth.
General dentists will typically extract a tooth that has become severely decayed or infected as well as those that have been knocked out and cannot be replaced because of other dental issues in an attempt to save the remaining teeth.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is the process of removing bacteria and other materials from a tooth that has become infected. General dentists can perform this procedure by first numbing your mouth before using an instrument to drill out part of the root system to remove any accumulated debris that might be causing infection. Once they have cleaned up the inside with tiny instruments, they will then fill the tooth with a filling material to prevent any leakage.
Porcelain Crowns or Veneers
Porcelain crowns or veneers are cosmetic procedures that General dentists can perform to restore teeth and correct the alignment. Porcelain is a type of dental material made from high-quality ceramic, which General dentists use to create these types of fillings for your tooth.
BRIDGES OR IMPLANTS
A general dentist might also recommend a bridge or implant if you have gaps between your teeth. General dentists can create these types of fillings by using the same dental material that crowns and veneers are made from - porcelain.
The general dentist can then complete this procedure by securing the artificial tooth across one side of the gap. General dentists will then cap off your tooth on this side so that it blends in with all of your other teeth and looks natural.
A dental bridge is a more permanent solution if you are only missing one or two teeth because General dentists use artificial teeth (crowns) to close the space where the gaps are. General dentists will use an impression of your teeth to create a mold, and then fill the space with porcelain.
A dental implant is also a more permanent solution because general dentists can insert the artificial tooth into your jawbone as well as secure it in place with screws.
This process takes between two to six months before you can get the final crown. General dentists will remove your tooth and replace it with a temporary denture so that you can still eat during this time.
General dentistry is extremely important because of how many different services they offer to each patient in need. They go from being your dentist for your oral health needs up to replacing teeth with dental implants. General dentists are knowledgeable about all the different needs of their patients and will work tirelessly to make sure they have everything that they need for a healthy mouth!