Everything You Need to Do About General Dentistry

When you need routine dental assessment and cleaning, you will probably visit a general dentist in South Austin. A general dentist is your primary provider and they help in maintaining your oral health. Even when you have to get an orthodontic or oral surgical procedure, you will need to visit the general dentist first for assessment and diagnosis. It is important to work with a dentist who offers general dentistry near you because they are your first line of dental care.

What Are General Dentists?

Did you know that about 80 percent of the dentists are general dentists? Yes. And, unlike the dental specialists who focus on a specific line of dentistry, the general dentists offer comprehensive services.

Also, general dentists are trained to handle different dental needs across different ages. That means you can have all your family members deal with only one dentist. But, if you have infants and toddlers, it may be advisable to work with a pediatric dentist.

What Does the General Dentist Offer?

A general dentist offers comprehensive dental services that are geared to maintain your oral health. The services include:

1. Preventive dental services

The treatments are designed to stop dental diseases before it takes hold in your gums and teeth. The common procedures that the dentist recommend include:

Regular exams and cleaning. We recommend getting routine checkups and cleanings every six months to keep your oral health in check. The dentist will assess your teeth and gums. An x-ray can also be taken to examine the condition of your jaw bone. These exams make it easy for the dentist to detect any dental problem and start treatment on time. Teeth cleaning is also done to remove plaque buildup in your gum line. This will prevent as well as gum disease.

Fluoride treatment. This is ideal for everyone, but more recommended for people who are at risk of developing dental cavities. Fluoride strengthens the enamel and makes it less prone to bacterial and acid attacks. The dentist will apply the fluoride varnish, gel, or foam on the teeth and leave it for 30 minutes for the enamel to absorb it. The treatment is recommended every three, six, or twelve months depending on your risk level.

If you have young children, the dentist may recommend dental sealants and pediatric crowns to shield their teeth from cavities.

2. Restorative services

When you have a dental problem like decay, the dentist will begin treatment to prevent further complications. The primary and the most common treatment for mild decay is dental fillings. Teeth fillings are made of various materials like porcelain and gold. The dentist will remove the damaged area and fix the teeth fillings to restore the function and strength of the teeth.

If the decay has extended to the pulp cavity, the dentist will recommend a root canal. This procedure involves the removal of the infected pulp to stop the infection and preserve the teeth. for severely damaged teeth, the dentist will perform a tooth extraction.

It is important to have your missing teeth replaced to preserve your dental structure. The dentist may recommend bridgework, dental implants, or dentures depending on your oral condition and the number of missing teeth.

3. Cosmetic services

When you have dental problems that affect the appearance of your teeth, cosmetic dental services can help improve your smile. The dentist can recommend various treatments like veneers to restore the size, color, and overall appearance of the teeth. Veneers are shells cemented on the front part of the teeth to repair cracks, chips, and discoloration.

Dental bonding can also be used if you have mild to dental imperfections. For severe cracks, chips, and worn-out teeth, then dental crowns may work great.

4. Emergency services

Having emergency dental services near you can come in handy when a dental trauma occurs. The dentist will assess your situation and help prevent any further complications by starting treatment on time.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Lifetime Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry for more information about our general dentistry services and how they can benefit you.