General Dentistry

General dentistry practices have changed a lot over the years. There was a time when the general dentist was also the local barber, the town doctor and maybe even the veterinarian for a town. A dentist is no longer the town barber. Today, the general dentist deals with all of the problems that people have with their teeth and gums. Dentist go to school for many years and may complete residencies to better learn the craft. It takes time to learn everything that is needed to help people maintain good oral health.

The general dentist is the dentist that a person will see most often. They are the ones that will help patients with all ages how to care for their teeth and gums. It is always a good idea to see your general dentist twice a year or every six months. This will allow them to monitor your teeth and gums and discover any problems that may need to be taken care of.

When you see the general dentist you can expect them to do several things.

Evaluate the health of your teeth and gums – This can be done through visual inspection and through other tests

X-ray the teeth – These can spot any abnormalities that may develop on the teeth and gums that cannot be seen by a visual exam

Perform minor procedures – If a cavity is detected a general dentist is qualified to correct it. The earlier that a cavity is discovered, the easier it is to fix.

Perform more complex procedures – When cavity has developed too far, it may be necessary for more extensive procedures to repair it. General dentists can perform root canals and place crowns to help with more serious issues.

Cleaning – One of the most important things done in a generaly dentistry practice is cleaning of the teeth and gums. The dental hygeinist can remove the bacteria and other buildup that can occur despite regular brushing and flossing. They will also provide a fluoride treatment that protects the teeth further.