A Look at the 5 Facets of General Dentistry

The general dentist is your go-to for a healthy smile. However, most patients are unaware of exactly what all general dentistry encompasses. Here are a few things that tend to be offered by a practice for general dentistry.

1. Cleaning and Hygiene

It is best to have your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist at least once a year, but most dentists recommend cleaning every six months. Cleaning is an important part of general dentistry because it gets to all those stains and bits of hardened tartar that can be impossible to remove with regular brushing and flossing.

2. General Dental Repairs

General dental repairs can include things like tending to cavities, chipped or broken teeth, or other dental injuries or performing a root canal to save an ailing tooth. Teeth are strong, but they can also be damaged during facial trauma. General dentistry services always offer various repairs for the many situations humans can run into with their teeth.

3. Exams and Testing

Dental exams are more than just a dentist looking in your mouth. A thorough exam can include x-rays of the teeth and bones that support the teeth, gumline examinations for deterioration of the gums or problems under the gums, and visual assessments for signs of oral cancer, infection, and other problems. Testing in general dentistry may involve performing tests on soft tissues in the mouth for cancer cells or saliva for acidity levels. Exams and testing are critical in preventative dentistry as they can protect your oral health for the long term.

4. Extractions

Extractions involve removing a permanent tooth that is beyond repair. While having a tooth extracted is usually not ideal, it is something that must happen if a tooth is severely decayed or otherwise damaged.

5. General Cosmetic Dentistry

While cosmetic dentistry involves a broad array of smile restoration options, the general cosmetic dentistry offered by a general dentist is a bit more conservative. Some things that may be offered include:

• Dental bonding procedures
• Teeth whitening
• Single-tooth implants
• Crowns and bridges

Keep Your Oral Health in Check with the Help of a Bellbrook Dentist 

Your oral health is just as important to your overall health as anything else. If it has been a while since you have had a dental checkup, reach out to us at Bellbrook Family Dentistry in Bellbrook, OH to schedule an appointment.