Visiting the Dentist- A Look at General Dentistry

A general dentist is similar to a general practitioner or family doctor in the medical field. He/she is a practitioner who deals with the most basic and general of problems and maintenance as they relate to the teeth and the gums. A general dentist is a professional you will go to in order to have your teeth and gums examined. He will take x-rays of your teeth and look them over for any signs of problems.

If you need to see a specialist (such as an orthodontist if your teeth need straightening or a periodontist if you have gum problems) then your dental doctor will refer you. Most dental practices have a dental hygienist on hand that can clean your teeth. Sometimes you will need one appointment for the exam and another for the cleaning while some offices make it possible to have both done at the same time. This varies from one tooth professional to another.

Dentistry, for all intents and purposes is based on the premise of preventative medicine. It is a strong recommendation of the American Dental Association (ADA) that you schedule an appointment with your dentist on a regular basis. To ensure optimum oral hygiene it is best to have a check-up and cleaning at least twice a year.

Taking care of your teeth at home is important but regular check-ups and cleanings serve as a way to prevent many major dental problems from starting. Keeping problems at bay also means that you do not have to cope with expensive, lengthy and often uncomfortable treatments to rid yourself of the problem.

Everyone needs to have a general dentist who is there to take care of their teeth. Your dental practitioner will take inventory of the condition of your teeth and gums and will then customize a plan that takes into consideration examinations, tooth cleanings, x-rays, scaling and fluoride treatments. He may also need to make use of other types of diagnostic equipment that are at his disposal in order to find effective means of preventing problems, uncovering problems and treating problems.

The dental practitioner’s number one concern for all of his patients is their oral health. If you take good care of your teeth and let the dentist do his part to help then you can enjoy superior dental health for a lifetime!

Sometimes restorative procedures are also included in the dental plan. Indeed the plan has to be as comprehensive and as all encompassing as possible to ensure the top notch health of your teeth. A restorative procedure is geared towards preventing plaque build up that can lead to the development of cavities and decay. It is also geared towards preventing disease that can occur to the teeth and gums, but also to the tongue and the mouth in general. Some examples of restorative work include dental fillings, bonding and root canals, just to name a few.

A general dental professional is an important aspect of not just your dental health and your dental future but your overall level of health in general. Taking care of your teeth is a significant element of taking care of your body in its entirety.