General Dentistry: Everything You Need to Know

By Mr Sam On Aug 22, 2023

If you are taking the steps to get to know more and understand oral care and dentistry better, you’ve stumbled upon the right article! Dental care, or to be more specific, going to the dentist can be very intimidating for others.

But, by knowing and understanding how dental procedures work, you’ll quickly realize the utmost importance of general dentistry. Moreover, you’ll also learn how letting fear get the best of you and not taking the right steps can cause you serious oral and other health issues.

Read on to learn more about general dentistry. After you’re done with this article, you’ll have a better understanding and hopefully apply what you’ve learned here to make life-changing decisions.

What Does a General Dentist Do?

First off, what is a general dentist? Essentially, general dentists are what they sound like. A general dentist is a regular dentist that does everything. We’ll dig deeper into the services that they offer but in general, they are the professionals you go to for services such as dental check-ups and tooth extractions.

Here’s an overview of what general dentists do:

General Consultation: They are the experts that know what’s best for your oral and dental health. Should you have any concerns, they can help you by providing their insight as to what steps should be taken should you have an oral or dental health issue.
Routine Checkups: It’s important to visit your dentist regularly. The best way to take care of your teeth and mouth is to have a professional with you. You can’t hope for optimal oral health by just brushing at home. For these checkups, general dentists are the professionals to seek.
Complete Service: With a general dentist, many of your dental concerns can be addressed. So long as no special procedure is required, such as getting braces, a general dentist should be able to help you out.

What Are General Dentistry Services?

General dentists offer a variety of dental services. These general dentistry services scope from preventative care to dental restorations. Here are but some of the services that general dentists typically offer:

Routine Check-ups and Cleanings:

As mentioned earlier, it is essential for everyone to get routine check-ups to ensure optimal oral health. Again, it’s never enough to do things on your own forever. While taking great care of your oral and dental health at home by yourself

Dental Fillings

Cavities on the tooth can’t be left untreated. Otherwise, it can result in very serious health issues. If left untreated, it can cause you unbearable pain, bad breath, tooth loss, and potentially also heart problems. Dental fillings can prevent these other issues from manifesting by restoring the morphology and function of damaged teeth.

Preventive Care

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. General dentists offer treatments like sealants and fluoride treatments to protect or strengthen your teeth. This way, your teeth have better chances against infection and damage. With preventative care, you decrease your chances of getting infections and teeth damage.

Gum Care

The gums are equally as important as your teeth. After all, it’s the gums that anchor your teeth to your mouth. Strong gums mean less chance of getting any gum and teeth-related issues. Weak or sick gums mean you’re more prone to teeth loss or oral health issues.

X-rays and Diagnostics

X-rays help greatly with finding out issues if there are any with your teeth and the next step to take. As there can be unseen underlying issues, X-rays make these invisible details visible to the dentist. By being able to see these hidden but very important details, the dentist can identify the best treatment for your situation.

Tooth Extractions

Whatever the reason may be for tooth extraction, a general dentist can help you with it. So, whether you have overcrowded teeth, unbearable toothache, or loose teeth, a general dentist can easily help you with a tooth extraction.

Basic Orthodontics

Not all general dentists can provide orthodontic services as these treatments are typically done by orthodontists. However, some general dentists do offer these services and can help you with basic alignment issues. If not, they can refer you to a reliable orthodontist.

Why Is General Dentistry Necessary?

Okay, let’s talk about why having a general dentist on your side is a big deal. Think of them as your smile’s best friend – always there to keep your teeth happy and healthy. Here’s why general dentistry is super important:

Preventing Dental Issues Before They Start: Just like superheroes thwart villains before they cause trouble, your general dentist stops dental issues in their tracks. They catch problems early, which means you avoid bigger, scarier dental battles down the road.
Maintaining Good Oral Health for a Lifetime: Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and a general dentist helps make that happen. Regular check-ups and cleanings keep your smile shining bright for years to come.
Catching Problems Early Saves You Trouble Later: Imagine finding out about a cavity when it’s tiny versus when it’s causing major pain. General dentists are like detectives who spot dental problems before they become painful nightmares, saving you a ton of discomfort.

Your Normal Dentist: What to Expect

Alright, let’s break down what happens when you visit your friendly general dentist. Knowing what to expect can make those dental appointments way less intimidating. So, here’s the lowdown on what goes on in that dentist’s chair:

Routine Check-ups and Cleanings: These are like the superhero team-up of dental care. You visit your general dentist regularly (usually twice a year) for a check-up to make sure everything’s A-OK, and they give your teeth a thorough cleaning to keep them shining bright.
X-rays: What They Show and Why They’re Important: Sometimes, your dentist might want a closer look at what’s happening inside your teeth. That’s where X-rays come in – they’re like behind-the-scenes snapshots that help the dentist spot any hidden issues.
Addressing Toothaches and Other Dental Discomforts: If you ever have a toothache or any other dental discomfort, your general dentist is your go-to hero. They’ll figure out what’s causing the trouble and come up with a plan to fix it.

Taking the Fear Out of the Dentist Chair

Hey there, we get it – visiting the dentist can sometimes make your heart race a bit. But guess what? There are ways to make those visits way less scary. Let’s dive into some tips that can help you feel more at ease in the dentist’s chair:

Overcoming Dental Anxiety: Feeling nervous is totally normal, but you’re not alone! Talk to your dentist about your worries. They’re experts at making you feel comfortable and can explain every step to ease your fears.
Making Dental Visits a Breeze: Did you know that distraction can be a fantastic superhero power? Bring your headphones and listen to your favorite music or a podcast during the appointment. It can help take your mind off things and make the time fly by.
Friendly Team and Comfortable Environment: Your dentist and their team want you to have a good experience. They’re there to help, so don’t hesitate to ask questions or share your concerns. Plus, many dental offices are designed to be cozy and calming, which can really help ease your worries.

Do You Have to Go to the Dentist?

Alright, here’s the scoop: visiting the dentist might not be your idea of a fun time, but it’s actually really important for your oral health. Let’s break it down:

The Importance of Regular Dental Visits: Just like you visit the doctor to stay healthy, regular trips to the dentist keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape. Your general dentist can catch any potential issues early and help you maintain a dazzling smile.
How Often Should You See the Dentist? Generally, it’s recommended to see your general dentist about twice a year. But if you have specific dental needs, they might suggest more frequent visits to keep everything on track.
Building Healthy Habits for a Happy Smile: Your general dentist isn’t just there to fix problems – they’re your guide to creating healthy habits. They’ll give you tips on brushing, flossing, and other care routines that make your smile shine.

Keep Your Grin Going Strong!

Phew, we’ve covered a lot about general dentistry, haven’t we? From the superhero-like role of a general consultation dentist to the importance of those routine check-ups, it’s clear that general dentistry is your secret weapon for a healthy, happy smile.

And speaking of awesome dentists, if you’re looking for a dental team that embodies all the fantastic qualities of general dentistry, look no further than NoHo Family Dental Group. They offer family dental care.

So, the next time you find yourself in that dentist’s chair, think about all the awesome things they’re doing to keep your grin going strong. General dentistry isn’t just about fixing teeth – it’s about empowering you to take charge of your oral health and show off a smile that shines bright like a diamond.

Keep smiling, keep shining, and keep rockin’ that amazing grin!