What Kind of Care Does General Dentistry Include?

Categories: General Dentistry

If you have ever researched a new dentist or are currently in search of one, you have likely come across the term “general dentistry” – a term that can seem vague and, well, general. Despite its innocuous name, general dentistry is one of the most important and foundational forms of dentistry there is, and its umbrella covers some of the most critical dental offerings. Some practices deal exclusively in general dentistry, while others may only offer specialty services such as cosmetic dentistry or dentistry for children. If you are looking for a new dentist’s office, it is wise to look for one that offers all of these services so that you can get everything you need under one roof. Just be sure there is a strong focus on general dentistry.

What services does general dentistry include?

General dentistry includes some of the most common yet most important care options there are. Unlike cosmetic dentistry, which addresses the appearance of teeth, or restorative dentistry, which helps fix damaged teeth or replace missing ones, general dentistry deals with maintaining the health of teeth and preventing the issues that would make the first two areas of dentistry necessary. General dentistry includes services such as:

• Dental Examinations:

Dental examinations are routine checkups where your dentist will assess the health of your teeth, gums and mouth in general. It is advised that you schedule an examination every six months so that you can stay on top of your oral health and your dentist can identify warning signs of potential issues or diagnose current ones. Regular dental exams are a smart choice because they help prevent costly and painful dental complications down the road. For example, an exam can reveal a minor cavity that may only require a quick filling now but could accumulate a level of decay that calls for root canal treatment if left untreated.

• Dental Cleanings:

Even if you have excellent oral hygiene habits at home, such as regular brushing, flossing and mouthwash use, professional dental cleanings are very important. Your dentist’s expertise and advanced equipment allow them to reach areas that you cannot reach yourself, as well as eliminate buildups of bacteria and plaque that could cause discoloration or even decay. Cleanings are also recommended every six months so that you can stay ahead of unsavory buildups that simply cannot be eliminated with a home regimen.

• Fillings:

Dental fillings are used to treat dental caries, also known as cavities, which result from the decay of your teeth. Cavities start small, which means that applying fillings is a quick, easy and inexpensive process. However, when cavities go untreated, the decay bores further into the tooth, ultimately creating a path that bacteria can use to penetrate its root. This can result in an infection that is not only painful but could result in the loss of the tooth as a whole.

If you would like to learn more about a La Mesa general dentist that also offers cosmetic dentistry, children’s dentistry, sedation dentistry and more, call Javadi Smiles today at (619) 464-4411 or contact us online.