Common Services Offered by General Dentists

A general dentist is usually the primary caretaker for oral health, providing routine and preventative care. However, some choose only to schedule an appointment once they have an issue they can no longer ignore or self-treat. Either way, a general dentist has many of the services you need to obtain or maintain optimal oral health.

Checkups and cleanings

The American Dental Association, or ADA, recommends dental checkups and cleanings every six months or more frequently if the patient is prone to cavities or gum disease. A general dentist offers these cleanings to ensure the patient can also undergo a checkup during the same appointment.

A traditional dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar on the teeth, whereas a deep cleaning works beneath the gumline. The deep cleaning is also called scaling and root planing and is often part of an early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) treatment plan.

Cavity treatment

Cavities are among the most prevalent dental problems, affecting patients of all ages. They can arise for many reasons, such as poor oral hygiene, an overly sugary diet, or genetics. Cavities can range from minor to severe. For minor to moderate cavities, the general dentist might perform a filling, a straightforward procedure that removes infected areas and fills the space left behind.

Moderate to severe cavities mean the decay has broken through and spread through a great portion of the tooth. It will likely require a dental crown, which involves two appointments. Additionally, regardless of severity, if the decay has reached the pulp chamber, the housing for the nerves and connective tissue, the patient will require a root canal. Depending on the case, the general dentist may recommend the patient to another trusted dental professional specializing in such treatment, such as an endodontist.

Repairing damaged or broken teeth

Whether a tooth has been broken, chipped, or cracked, a general dentist has numerous ways to restore it and stop potential side effects. Depending on the type of damage the tooth receives and its location, the dentist will consider a dental crown or dental bonding. Unlike dental crowns, the dentist can place dental bonding in one appointment depending on the number of teeth the patient is looking to restore.

Cosmetic dental treatments

General dentists also offer cosmetic dental treatments— one of the most popular being professional teeth whitening. Over time, natural teeth stain due to phytochemical-filled or dyed beverages and foods. Fortunately, general dentists can whiten the teeth up to seven shades with a bleaching agent in just one appointment. However, while results last longer than those of their over-the-counter competitors, some patients schedule an appointment once a year.

A general dentist can offer dental veneers if a patient does not wish to schedule an annual brightening appointment. Dental veneers are thin shells that can be color-matched to other teeth or brightened as much as the patient desires. They go over existing teeth that are too stained, chipped, or misshapen, making any smile look brand new with two appointments.