General dentistry covers a wide array of dental services and procedures, all with the same objectives. These services help to extend the lifetime of your natural teeth, maintain oral health and keep your smile looking attractive for a long time.
What does general dentistry entail?
Oral health is an important component of general wellbeing. There is an established link between common oral infections and health disorders, including cardiovascular disease. It is therefore important to maintain good oral health.
Dental health routines should begin at childhood so that children can form healthy habits early in life. A trip to the general dentist is beneficial to toddlers, as it allows them to be examined for signs of tooth cavities and to get used to the office where they will undergo vital preventive services from childhood to adulthood. Every age group has its specific oral health problems and the general dentist is qualified to treat all of them.
General dentistry services
The services provided under general dentistry are to ensure teeth stay healthy, functional and look attractive. The services include:
Cleanings and oral examinations: To clean accumulated plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums and to detect early signs of oral diseases.
Dental crowns and bridgework: Dental restorations to protect or replace a damaged or missing tooth.
Dental implants: This is a lasting tooth replacement option that involves an implant post and a restoration.
Tooth extraction: Done to remove an infected or damaged tooth, as well as problematic wisdom teeth.
Fillings: To repair a tooth that has suffered decay or cavities.
Oral cancer screening: To detect early signs of oral cancer and recommend treatment. A cure is possible if caught early.
Orthodontic treatment: To straighten crooked teeth and correct bite misalignment.
Root canal treatment: A procedure to remove an infection from the tooth and protect against loss or removal.
Sealants: To protect the chewing surfaces of the teeth against cavities.
TMJ treatment: To treat jaw pain problems that may impede biting and chewing.
Dentures: To restore lost teeth.
When to visit the dentist
Many people choose to visit the general dentist only when they have a problem. This is not proper because undergoing preventive services in general dentistry may help to prevent pain and avoidable expenses down the line. Regular dental visits are essential to ensure early detection and treatment of oral health problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Dental experts typically advise patients visit the dentist twice a year, but some people may need to visit more often to keep oral diseases in check. Ideally, everyone should visit at least once a year.
Final note
During a routine visit to the dental office, the dentist will perform a comprehensive oral exam and perform a deep cleaning to remove stubborn plaque and tartar deposits on the teeth. General dentistry offers many benefits that you cannot afford to miss. If you require a dental procedure, the dentist will explain the process and make the necessary recommendations. Remember that maintaining your oral health is important to your general wellbeing.
Request an appointment here: https://www.oaktreefamilydental.com or call Oak Tree Dental at (703) 763-5239 for an appointment in our McLean office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
An emergency dentist can provide tooth-saving care in emergency dental situations. However, it is common not to know what constitutes a dental emergency nor how to handle common situations while waiting for dental care. Understanding when to seek help from an emergency dentist and how to manage the situation before you get to their office…
Dental implants are an option for people who need to replace one or more missing teeth. The process involves several steps during which a metal post is surgically mounted into the jaw. The replacement tooth or crown is then secured to the implant, holding the new tooth firmly in place.Missing teeth can have an adverse…
Individuals who live with a single missing tooth may be uninterested in investing in more comprehensive replacement procedures. These individuals may consider a partial denture for one missing tooth. While this option offers several advantages, including affordability, the ability to hide the gap in one’s smile, and restored function, it is not for everyone. Persons…
A cosmetic dentist focuses on the appearance of a patient’s smile, while a general addresses oral health and function. Though their priorities differ, both play important roles in maintaining the smile. Understanding these differences helps patients determine which type of care matches their needs.A general dentist is a primary care provider for oral health who…