General Dentistry
General dentistry is the backbone of oral healthcare. It serves as the first and primary point of contact for anyone seeking care for their teeth, gums, and overall mouth, regardless of age. Similar to a family doctor, a general dentist is responsible for overseeing overall oral health and providing a wide range of preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and cosmetic services.
The Importance of General Dentistry
A general dentist plays a vital role in:
Disease Prevention: Focuses on preventing dental and gum problems before they occur or worsen.
Early Detection: Helps identify any oral health problems in their early stages, making treatment easier, less expensive, and more effective.
Maintaining Comprehensive Oral Health: Ensures healthy teeth and gums, which in turn impacts overall health.
Education and Guidance: Advise patients on best daily oral hygiene practices and a healthy diet.
A Stepping Stone for Specialized Care: If a condition requires specialized intervention (such as orthodontics or oral surgery), the general dentist will refer the patient to the appropriate specialist.
Services Provided by General Dentists
Preventive Services:
Regular checkups: To detect any signs of cavities, gum disease, or other oral problems.
Professional teeth cleaning: To remove plaque and tartar buildup that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing.
X-rays: To diagnose problems not visible to the naked eye, such as cavities between teeth or jawbone problems.
Oral cancer screening: To detect any suspicious growths or lesions early.
Fluoride and sealant applications: To strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities, especially in children.
Patient education: About proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Restorative and therapeutic services:
Dental fillings: To treat cavities and repair cavities.
Dental crowns: To cover and protect damaged or weakened teeth.
Dental Bridges: To replace missing teeth by anchoring them to adjacent teeth.
Dentures: To replace missing teeth completely or partially.
Root Canal Treatment: To treat infection in the tooth pulp and save the tooth from extraction.
Tooth Extraction: For teeth that cannot be saved.
Cosmetic Services (often within the scope of general dentistry):
Teeth Whitening: To lighten the color of teeth.
Veneers and Lumineers: To improve the shape of teeth and the appearance of your smile.
