6 Services from a General Dentist

General dentists are some of the most visited professionals in their field. The American Dental Association recommends that people as young as one year old maintain a biannual checkup schedule. Their primary aim is to preserve or improve patients' oral health, which they do in various ways. Let us look at six of them.

1. Broken tooth repair

Depending on location, a broken tooth can dampen a smile's look. However, it can cause more problems than that. Depending on the type and severity of the break, a patient can experience tooth sensitivity and pain. Along with that, a broken tooth can increase the risk of forming an infection inside the tooth. Therefore, to prevent these side effects, the general dentist will provide bonding, crown, filling, or if the tooth is unsalvageable, perform an extraction and then provide replacement options.

2. Cavity treatments

Decay can wreak havoc on the tooth structure. It forms from plaque and bacteria that build up on the teeth, which will eat away at the enamel (surface layer). This layer is the tooth's first defense, as when it is strong, the likelihood of decay forming decreases, but when it is weak, it increases. When decay breaks through the first layer and moves through each layer, patients can experience pain and sensitivity that can either be intermittent or ongoing.

Therefore, in its early stages, when the general dentist begins to see it forming, they will likely recommend an upgraded oral care routine. However, if it shows signs of taking over the tooth, the dentist will need to manually remove the decay and layers of the tooth until it is all gone. Since the tooth's structure is still vulnerable, the dentist will protect it and restore its look and function with a filling or crown.

3. Dental sealants

The molars, or back teeth, are more susceptible to decay, especially in children and teens. That is because they are naturally etched with deep grooves to help further break down food. However, food debris can easily become stuck in them. When brushing, these grooves are sometimes glossed over and fail to be cleaned out completely. Therefore, the general dentist may recommend dental sealants, known as protective coatings. The procedure or process takes approximately five minutes to complete, as it involves brushing the dental sealant solution onto the molars. After hardening, the teeth will become smooth, allowing food debris to slide off

4. Fluoride treatment

Strengthening the enamel begins with proper oral hygiene. However, as a booster, the general dentist recommends using fluoride. Some oral care products, foods, and our water supply contain micro quantities of fluoride. A general dentist can provide highly concentrated fluoride treatments in various ways during each biannual appointment. It is available in the form of garnish, gels, and foams.

5. Oral cancer screenings

During biannual examinations and any other form of appointment, the general dentist naturally checks for abnormalities. However, if they see a lesion, unexplained bruising, or sores on the gums, throat, or tongue, they will likely refer the patient to a specialist. This can involve visiting a medical or dental professional who identifies, treats, and manages diseases or cancers in the mouth. These types of professionals may include a periodontist, an otolaryngologist, or an oncologist.

6. Reversing gum disease

Gum disease is a dangerous infection that can wreak havoc on the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. It is typically caused by plaque build-up on the gumline. The disease occurs in two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. The general dentist can treat or reverse the first stage. They will likely perform a procedure called root scaling and planing, otherwise known as a professional deep clean. Periodontitis will require specialty care and management, and the dentist will likely recommend the patient to a periodontist.