What is General Dentistry? Everything You Need to Know

We often focus on our physical well-being, scheduling regular checkups with our doctors and taking preventive measures to stay healthy. But what about our oral health? Just like our bodies need regular care and attention, so do our teeth and gums. That’s where general dentistry comes in.

General dentistry is the foundation of oral healthcare, providing comprehensive services to maintain healthy teeth and gums for patients of all ages. But what exactly does a general dentist do? And why is it so important to visit one regularly?

In this guide, we’ll explore the world of general dentistry, uncovering its importance, the services offered, and how it contributes to your overall well-being. Because a healthy smile is a reflection of a healthy you.   

What Is General Dentistry? 

General dentistry is the branch of dentistry focusing on the health of teeth, gums, and mouth. It encompasses a wide range of diagnostic, preventive, and restorative procedures. A general dentist serves as your primary dental care provider, overseeing and coordinating all your oral health needs.

The primary focus of general dentistry is disease prevention. It is estimated that around 65% of all dental procedures are either diagnostic or preventive in nature. This underscores the significant emphasis dentists place on maintaining oral health and hygiene to prevent the progression of oral diseases.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends regular dental visits, ideally at least every six months. The ADA notes that these regular visits can help you avoid more significant problems down the road. Avoiding these can also save a great deal of money.

Consistent dental care is vital for overall well-being. Research has established links between common oral infections and various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease.

The Role of a General Dentist

Consider your general dentist as the central figure in your oral health team, orchestrating various aspects of your care. They provide a comprehensive range of services rather than specializing in a single area. These professionals are equipped to handle many patient needs.

This encompasses restorative services aimed at repairing damaged teeth. General dentists can also brighten your smile with cosmetic dentistry. Additionally, they have the authority to prescribe medications when necessary.

General dentists also offer valuable guidance for maintaining optimal oral hygiene at home, preventing problems before they start. Some even offer advanced treatments such as orthodontics, utilizing clear aligners for teeth straightening. This holistic approach highlights the importance of seeing your general dentist for preventative care.

What Services Do General Dentists Provide?

General dentists offer a wide array of services to keep your smile healthy and address any dental concerns that may arise. Here are some of the core services they provide:

Preventive Dentistry

A primary objective of preventive dentistry is the early prevention of dental problems. Regular exams, x-rays, and cleanings are essential components of preventive care. General dentistry professionals provide detailed guidance on maintaining proper dental hygiene at home, emphasizing techniques like brushing and flossing.

• Routine Dental Exams and Cleanings: Regular checkups and professional cleanings are the foundation of preventive dental care. They help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
• Fluoride Treatments and Dental Sealants: Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. Dental sealants are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent cavities.
• Oral Cancer Screenings: During routine exams, your dentist will also check for signs of oral cancer, a potentially serious condition that’s often easier to treat when detected early.
• Patient Education: Your dentist will provide guidance on proper oral hygiene techniques, including brushing, flossing, and dietary recommendations.

Restorative Dentistry Services

In need of repair work for damaged or broken teeth? A general dentist is equipped to handle various restorative dentistry procedures, making them an ideal choice for families as they can often serve as a family dentist, catering to patients of all ages.

• Fillings: Fillings are used to repair cavities and minor tooth damage, restoring the tooth’s structure and function.
• Dental Crowns and Bridges: Crowns are caps placed over damaged teeth to restore their shape and strength. Bridges replace missing teeth, anchored to adjacent teeth.
• Root Canals: Root canals treat infected teeth by removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth to prevent further damage.
• Dentures and Partial Dentures: Dentures replace missing teeth, restoring chewing function and improving appearance.

Gum Disease Treatment

Maintaining healthy gums is crucial for overall oral health, and general dentists are equipped to provide the necessary care to prevent and treat gum disease.

• Diagnosis and Treatment: General dentists can diagnose and treat gum disease, a common condition that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
• Scaling and Root Planing: This deep-cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, helping to treat gum disease.
• Guidance on Gum Health: Your dentist will provide advice on how to improve your gum health and prevent further problems.

Emergency Dental Care

Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly, and general dentists are prepared to provide prompt care to alleviate pain and address urgent issues.

• Treatment for Toothaches, Cracked or Broken Teeth, and Infections: General dentists can provide prompt care for dental emergencies, alleviating pain and addressing urgent issues.
• Management of Knocked-Out Teeth: If a tooth is knocked out, your dentist can assess the situation and provide appropriate treatment, which may include reimplanting the tooth or discussing replacement options.

How is General Dentistry Different from Other Dental Specialties?

While general dentists provide a wide range of services, there are also specialized areas within dentistry that focus on specific aspects of oral health. Here’s how general dentistry differs from some of these specialties:

• Orthodontics: Orthodontists specialize in correcting misaligned teeth and jaws using braces, clear aligners, and other appliances. While general dentists may offer some basic orthodontic services, they typically refer patients to orthodontists for more complex cases.
• Oral Surgery: Oral surgeons perform surgical procedures in the mouth, such as wisdom tooth extractions, dental implant placement, and corrective jaw surgery. General dentists may perform simple extractions but refer patients to oral surgeons for more complex cases.
• Periodontics: Periodontists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease. They also perform procedures like gum grafts and dental implant placement. General dentists provide basic gum care but may refer patients to periodontists for advanced treatment.
• Endodontics: Endodontists specialize in root canal therapy, a procedure to treat infected or damaged teeth. General dentists may perform simple root canals but often refer patients to endodontists for more complex cases.
• Prosthodontics: Prosthodontists specialize in replacing missing teeth with dentures, bridges, and implants. General dentists may offer some of these services but often work in conjunction with prosthodontists for complex cases.
• Cosmetic Dentistry: Cosmetic dentists focus on improving the appearance of your smile through procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding. General dentists may offer some cosmetic treatments but often refer patients to specialists for more extensive smile makeovers.
• Pediatric Dentistry: Pediatric dentists specialize in providing dental care for children. They have additional training in child development and behavior management.

While general dentists have a broad scope of practice, they often collaborate with specialists to ensure patients receive the most appropriate and comprehensive care for their specific needs.

Why is General Dentistry Important for Your Overall Health?

General dentistry plays a crucial role in maintaining not only your oral health but also your overall well-being. Here’s how:

• Prevents Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Regular checkups and cleanings help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to pain, discomfort, and even tooth loss.
• Reduces Risk of Systemic Diseases: Research has linked poor oral health to various systemic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and respiratory infections. Maintaining good oral hygiene can help reduce your risk of developing these conditions.
• Detects Oral Cancer Early: Oral cancer screenings are a routine part of dental exams. Early detection of oral cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
• Maintains Strong Teeth and Gums: Preventive care and timely treatment of dental problems help preserve your natural teeth for a lifetime, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

When to See a General Dentist

How frequently should you schedule regular dental check-ups? For most individuals, twice-yearly exams and professional teeth cleanings are recommended, typically occurring approximately every six months. These routine visits help prevent the development of more serious oral health conditions.

However, individuals with higher risk factors may require more frequent visits. Those who experience a lot of tooth decay or gum disease will have shorter intervals between visits. Certain health conditions also require more monitoring of teeth and gums.

Please refer to the chart below for an overview of typical visit schedules. Remember, this chart serves as a guide, your needs may differ. Regular visits for dentistry services can help people maintain proper health and prevent bigger problems.

Patient Type	Visit Frequency
Average Adult	Twice per year
High Cavity Risk	Every 3-4 months
Periodontal Disease	Every 3 months (or per dentist recommendation)
Children	Every 6 months (or per dentist recommendation)

In addition to scheduled check-ups, it’s important to contact your dentist promptly if you experience any concerning symptoms or issues. Problems that don’t usually wait can quickly progress and can cause much worse health.

Besides the common dentistry services already mentioned, general dentists may offer many other services. Services such as wisdom tooth removal, sleep apnea treatment, and TMJ treatment may be done by your dentist. Some general dentists will refer you to specialists for some of these types of treatments.

General Dentistry: Your Partner in Achieving a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles

General dentistry provides a comprehensive approach to maintaining optimal oral health for patients of all ages. By combining preventive care, restorative treatments, and patient education, general dentists help you achieve a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime. Regular visits to your general dentist are an investment in your overall well-being, ensuring your mouth stays healthy and contributing to a healthier you. Remember, a healthy smile starts with a strong foundation, and your general dentist is your partner in building and maintaining that foundation.

Experience Comprehensive Dental Care

At Image Dental, we’re committed to providing comprehensive general dentistry services to meet the unique needs of each patient. Our experienced team offers a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatments, all delivered with a gentle touch and a focus on patient comfort. We believe in building long-lasting relationships with our patients, providing personalized care and education to empower them to achieve optimal oral health. 

Whether you’re due for a routine checkup or have specific dental concerns, we’re here to help. Book now online or call us at (209) 955-1500 to schedule your appointment and experience the Image Dental difference.