Welcome to our section about our general dentistry services. Here at Desert Lake Dental, we put your oral health first and provide various dental services to make sure your smile is healthy and beautiful. Whether you’re seeking routine care or have specific dental needs, our skilled team is here to assist you. Let us start by answering the question: “What is a general dental practice?“
What is Meant by General Dentistry?
General dentistry is all about keeping your mouth healthy. This type of dental care is responsible for everything from checking your teeth and gums to fixing any issues that might pop up. Whether it’s filling a cavity, giving a thorough cleaning, or even taking X-rays to look for hidden issues, general dentists do it all. General and family dentistry is your go-to for regular check-ups, and these experts are trained to treat patients at every stage of life, from little kids to seniors.
In addition, they assist you with brushing and flossing correctly, helping you prevent problems before they arise. By seeing a general dentist regularly, you’re taking a big step towards keeping your smile bright and healthy.
Why is General Dentistry Important?
Keeping up oral health is crucial for overall well-being. The reason general dentistry is important is that it prevents dental diseases from happening. By going to a general dentist regularly, you can prevent tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, dentists help maintain not just your teeth and gums but your whole body, too.
When to See a General Dentist?
- To do regular dental cleanings and exams every six months
- See your dentist if you are experiencing a toothache or sore gums
- For getting fillings for cavities or root canals for deeper tooth issues.
- When in need of dental x-rays your dentist needs to check beneath the surface of your gums.
- To discuss oral hygiene and preventive care like the best ways to brush and floss at home.
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What Do General Dentists Do? General Dentistry Procedures
Let’s look at common procedures that a general family dentistry performs:
Exam, X-Ray, and Cleaning
When you visit a dental practice for a check-up, expect a thorough cleaning along with an exam and X-rays. The importance of preventative dental care can’t be overstated. Early detection helps prevent problems with teeth, gums, and jaw. When you visit the dentist, they’ll assess your oral health and tell you what you need to do to maintain it.
Preventative Dentistry
Good oral health starts with preventative dentistry. Brushing twice a day is the best way to get rid of plaque and leftover food pieces. Most dentists suggest brushing for at least two minutes to clean all surfaces of your teeth, including the inside, outside, and chewing sides. Start flossing to reach places your toothbrush can’t reach. Don’t forget to brush your tongue!
Fillings
Usually, composite fillings are used for tooth decay or fractures. With these tooth-colored fillings, you can restore decayed teeth and improve your smile by removing discolorations and reshaping misaligned teeth.
Porcelain Crowns
Crowns are great for teeth that need more than just fillings. This crown mimics the look of natural teeth and is strong enough to handle the force of biting, so it’s perfect for teeth with severe decay, damage, or multiple fillings. Several options exist when it comes to porcelain crowns, so you should talk to your dentist about what’s best for you.
Emergency Care
Dental emergencies are handled quickly by our trained doctors and staff. Our goal is to relieve pain and make you feel comfortable as soon as possible so you can feel better.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Screenings for oral cancer are a big part of what we do. Oral cancer can be more successfully treated if it’s detected early. In screenings, we look for unusual signs like white or red patches or lesions inside your mouth, either on the tongue or the floor. You should watch out for symptoms like difficulty swallowing, bleeding, and swelling.
Root Canal Therapy
When a simple filling won’t save a tooth with an infection or severe decay, root canal therapy is needed. The process involves removing the infected or dead nerve tissue, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it to prevent further infection. When a tooth has been traumatized, it may also need a root canal.
General Dentistry for Kids
From infancy through adolescence, general dentistry for kids takes care of children’s oral health. This is where you make sure your kid’s primary and permanent teeth are healthy and well-cared for. Check-ups, cleanings, cavity fillings, and fluoride treatments are all part of it. A pediatric dentist also teaches kids how to brush their teeth and floss their teeth to keep them healthy for life. As kids grow, pediatric dentists can address problems like thumb sucking and teeth misalignment, as well as prevent dental injuries.
What are the Benefits of a General Dentist?
Here are the benefits of going to general practice dentistry and seeing a general dentist:
- A general dentist offers all-inclusive care for your teeth and gums.
- Regular dental appointments help you catch and prevent dental problems before they get serious.
- Dentists can take care of everything from cavities to gum disease.
- Your dentist can refer you to the right expert if you need more specialized care.
- Your well-being depends on good oral health, and your dentist plays a big part in it.
General Dentistry vs. Orthodontics
Here are the main differences between general dentistry and orthodontics:
- A general dentist takes care of your teeth and gums, including cleanings, fillings, and crowns. With orthodontics, you adjust the bite and straighten teeth using braces to align your teeth and jaws.
- You can see a general dentist for a variety of dental needs that affect your oral hygiene. In orthodontics, the goal is to improve oral function and cosmetic appearance by managing and correcting teeth positioning.
- While both professions start with dental school, orthodontists need more specialized training to manipulate teeth and align jaws.
- Keeping your gums and teeth in good health is the goal of general dentistry. The orthodontics goal is to straighten teeth and correct irregular bites so you can have a better smile.
- The general dentist is who you’d go to for regular dental check-ups and common dental problems. If you need corrective braces or other orthodontic devices, you should consult an orthodontist.
Can a General Dentist Do Implants?
Yes, a general dentist can perform dental implants if they have received the necessary training and certifications. Dental implants involve replacing missing teeth with artificial structures anchored to the jawbone. While some complex cases might be referred to a specialist, many general dentists in Avondale are skilled in this procedure.
General Dentistry Near Me in Avondale, AZ
Looking for advanced cosmetic and general dentistry in Avondale, AZ? Desert Lake Dental is the place to go! Our experienced team is ready to provide you with comprehensive dental care customized to your individual needs. You can schedule your dental appointment today at 623-388-5888 and take the first step towards a healthier, brighter smile!
FAQs
Yes, general dentists routinely fill cavities as part of their services.
Yes, general dentists can perform tooth extractions.
Some general dentists are trained to perform certain types of oral surgery, but complex cases may be referred to specialists.
General dentists are licensed practitioners, but becoming board-certified is an additional step that some choose to take to demonstrate a higher level of expertise.
