General Dentistry

What Is General Dentistry

General dentists are the primary oral health care providers. They perform routine oral health practices mostly focused on preventive maintenance. General dentists carry out x-rays and CAT scans to carry out the initial diagnostics on their patients. With a strong emphasis on the importance of observing healthy oral practices, general dentists help the communities around them avoid the progression of oral diseases. Unlike dental specialists who focus on a specific dental practice aspect, general dentists offer the following services:

Dental restorative care

Once a problem is identified, the general dentist ensures an appropriate and timely treatment. Often, removal of a decaying tooth or filling of a broken tooth is mistaken as the only restorative care. This is not the case as it also involves prompt dental trauma treatment as well as periodontal services. Missing teeth can be replaced; dentures fitted and bridge work done.

Preventive services

General dentists help and educate the public on oral health issues before they occur. They carry out regular examinations and teeth cleaning. They also advise on how to improve oral hygiene and recommend preventive treatments such as teeth sealing if they see a need. If you live in Sarasota, a general dentist may deem it necessary to fit them with a mouth guard.

Cosmetic procedures

General dentistry can in some cases involve the carrying out of cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening and bonding. They also carry out oral and maxillofacial procedures which include basic reconstructive surgeries and procedures on the face, jaw, and mouth. Examples of oral and maxillofacial procedures include cleft lip correction and the treatment of the temporomandibular joint disorder, shortly known as TMJ. General dentists in Sarasota offer advanced treatments such as orthodontics, root canal, and dental implantation. Orthodontics involves the alignment and straightening of misaligned teeth with the use of retainers or braces.

When to see a general dentist

Often, people visit the dentist only when they are experiencing oral health issues, which is wrong. It is recommended that you see a dentist every six months as most oral health problems can be detected early enough, saving you money and discomfort down the line. However, this does not mean that you should not see a general dentist in Sarasota between the six months whenever a concern over your oral health arises. The state of your oral health in some instances reflects your general health status, with some dental problems indicating that there are issues with other parts of your body. For instance, shaky and chipped teeth can indicate lack of calcium in the body. General dentists are trained to identify such and prescriber appropriate treatments or referrals to specialists if need be.