What is general dentistry?

General dentistry refers to the standard oral exams and treatments dentists rely on to keep their patients’ teeth, gums and associated structures healthy. It is highly focused on disease prevention and early diagnosis. General dentists, such as Dr. Jolene Dague at Dague Dental Solutions, are the primary providers of dental care to people of all ages. A typical appointment with your family dentist includes a comprehensive examination of your mouth and a professional teeth cleaning. A conversation about your dental health follows, where you are given a clean bill of health or alerted to any issues that have been detected. When the news is the latter, the dentist recommends the best course of treatment and either pursues it immediately or plans a follow-up appointment.

Five common general dentistry treatments

A range of services are provided in the course of general dentistry, but a handful of them are called upon often. Let’s take a closer look at five common general dentistry treatments.

• Fillings. Dental fillings are used to treat teeth that have cavities or decay. The diseased tissue is removed from the tooth, and the resultant hole is sealed with a filling. Amalgam, composite resin and dental porcelain are the most common materials for fillings. The latter two substances can be matched to the shade of the tooth and be nearly imperceptible.
• Root canal therapy. A root canal procedure is used to eliminate bacteria that has infected the interior of a tooth. The process protects the tooth from further damage and prevents reinfection. When one undergoes a root canal, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then sealed with a filling.
• Crowns and bridges. When a tooth is substantially damaged by disease or injury, a tooth-shaped cap called a crown is placed over it to prevent further deterioration and restore its natural size, shape, shade and strength. When one or more teeth are missing, crowns are placed on the remaining teeth on either side of the empty space. The required number of artificial teeth are cemented to them, literally “bridging the gap” in between, which explains the name.
• Extractions. Sometimes a tooth is so damaged by disease or injury that your dentist’s best course of action is to remove it. If the tooth is visible and stable, the process is a relatively quick outpatient procedure with anesthesia. Teeth that are broken, below the surface, or impacted may require a more involved procedure.
• Dentures. Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth. They restore the ability to chew properly, speak clearly and improve your appearance. When you lose all of your teeth, facial muscles can sag, making you look older. Dentures help fill out your face and profile. It’s not uncommon for dentures to be an aesthetic upgrade over a patient’s natural smile.