What Is General Dentistry?
Picture this: You start your morning ready to tackle the day, then notice a sharp pain in one of your molars. You remember you've been putting off your routine dental check-up for months, and now you're paying the price. This is where general dentistry comes in!
With a quick call to your local dental office, you can schedule an appointment with a general dentist who will diagnose the issue, provide treatment, and get you back to feeling your best in no time.
What General Dentistry Entails
General dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of common dental issues.
Just like a personal trainer helps you maintain a healthy body, a general dentist enables you to maintain good oral health.
It's about keeping your teeth and gums healthy and strong to help you smile confidently and avoid serious dental problems.
Your general dentist works with you to create a customized treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals.
Whether routine cleaning or a more complex procedure, your general dentist will ensure that you receive the best possible care.
General Dentistry Services
As a general dentistry patient, you can expect a wide range of services to help maintain your oral health. Here are some of the most common services general dentists offer.
Dental Cleanings and Checkups
Regular cleanings and checkups are critical for maintaining good oral health. During a cleaning, your dentist will remove plaque and tartar buildup and check for any signs of tooth decay or gum disease.
X-rays
Dental X-rays are essential diagnostic tools that allow dentists to see what’s happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums.
Fillings
If you have a cavity, your general dentist will take out the decayed part of your tooth and fill it with a dental filling material to restore its function and appearance.
Root Canal Therapy
Your dentist may recommend root canal therapy if the pulp inside your tooth’s canal becomes infected. This helps you save the tooth and alleviate pain.
Extractions
In some cases, a tooth may be so damaged or decayed that there is no redemption. In these instances, your dentist may recommend extraction.
Crowns and Bridges
If you need to restore damaged or missing teeth, your general dentist may recommend getting crowns or bridges. Crowns cover damaged or decayed teeth, while bridges fill gaps left by missing teeth.
Teeth Whitening
If you want a brighter, more vibrant smile or simply need to remove stains or discoloration, your general dentist can give you a teeth whitening procedure.
5 Reasons General Dentistry Is Necessary
Here are five reasons why general dentistry is necessary:
1. Preventive Care
General dentistry focuses on preventive care, which is essential for maintaining good oral health. Going for routine check-ups and cleanings regularly can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues from developing.
2. Early Detection
General dentistry catches dental problems early. This stops these problems from becoming more severe and require more invasive treatments. It can save you time, money, and discomfort in the long run.
3. Education
General dentists provide valuable education on maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems from developing. They can also offer advice on diet and lifestyle choices that can impact your dental health.
4. Treatment Options
General dentists offer various treatment options, from fillings and extractions to root canals and dental implants. This means they can provide comprehensive care for a variety of dental issues.
5. Maintaining Overall Health
Poor dental health can hurt your overall health. Maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist can help reduce your risk of certain health conditions. Major examples of these diseases include heart disease and diabetes.
How to Choose a General Dentist
Choosing a general dentist is an important decision that can impact your oral health for a long time. Here are some tips to help you choose the right general dentist.
Ask for Recommendations
Ask your friends, family, or coworkers for recommendations. They may have a dentist they trust and can provide you with valuable insights into their experience.
Check Their Credentials
Make sure you use a licensed dentist certified to practice dentistry. You can check with your state dental board to verify their credentials.
Look for Experience
Look for a dentist who has experience in the services you need. For example, if you're interested in teeth whitening, look for a dentist who has performed many successful teeth whitening procedures.
Consider Their Communication Style
Communication is key when it comes to dental care. Look for a dentist who takes the time to listen to your concerns, answers your questions, and explains procedures in a way you can understand.
Evaluate the Office Environment
Pay a visit to the dentist's office to see if it's clean, comfortable, and welcoming. Is the staff friendly and helpful? Are the equipment and technology up-to-date?
Check Availability and Location
Consider the dentist's availability and location. Are their hours convenient for you? Is their office located near your home or workplace?
Dental Hygiene Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Health
Good dental hygiene is essential for maintaining good oral health. Here are some dental hygiene tips to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy:
Brush Twice a Day
Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush to clean your teeth and gums gently.
Floss Daily
Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles between your teeth and gums. Use a gentle back-and-forth motion to remove debris and plaque.
Use Mouthwash
Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill bacteria that can cause bad breath and gum disease. Mouthwash can also help reduce plaque and prevent cavities.
Reduce Sugary Foods and Drinks Intake
Taking sugary foods and drinks can often cause tooth decay and gum disease. So, reduce your intake of sugary foods and beverages, and choose water or milk instead.
Chew Sugar-free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acid and prevent cavities.
Don't Smoke or Use Tobacco Products
Smoking and using tobacco products can cause oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth loss. Quit smoking or using tobacco products to improve your overall oral health.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular visits to your general dentist can help prevent dental problems from developing and catch any issues early. Your dentist can also provide valuable advice and guidance on maintaining good oral health.
Get Affordable General Dentistry Care With Carefree Dental
If you need affordable dental care but have limited income or no insurance, consider signing up for Carefree Dental. Our membership card can save you 15-50%* per visit in most instances on your dental bills at participating providers.
With over 262,000** available dental practice locations nationwide, you can access discounts on your treatments.
For just $15.95/month for individuals and $19.95/month for families, Carefree Dental provides a cost-effective solution for your general dental needs.
Join Carefree Dental today and get the affordable general dentistry you need!
*Actual costs and savings vary by provider, service, and geographical area.
**As of April 2020
The Carefree Dental blog is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The text and pictures within the content are intended for information purposes only. Readers should consult with a licensed dentist or healthcare professional before seeking treatment.
The Carefree Dental Card is not insurance, and Carefree Dental is not an insurance provider.
