General dentistry is the branch of dentistry that deals with treating problems other than those related to the mouth. It involves many different areas, including oral and maxillofacial surgery and oral pathology. Others include oral cancer detection and prevention, endodontics, orthodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, dental implants, and other related topics. A general dentist Hilliard, can help address all these dental-related problems.
What does general dentistry involve?
Dental cleanings
Dental cleanings are one of the most important services provided by a dentist. They are designed to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. A dental cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and other debris from your teeth and gums. Plaque is the sticky film that accumulates between teeth and can lead to cavities and gum disease. Tartar is a buildup on the surface of your teeth where bacteria have been growing for some time that can cause dental cavities. By removing the plaque, tartar, and other deposits from your teeth, you help reduce your chance of developing cavities or gum disease.
Crown and bridges
Crowns and bridges are dentistry procedures used to restore or replace decayed, missing, or damaged teeth. A crown is a composite material that is placed on the tooth to hide the decayed part of the tooth. A bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It may be used when there is little space between adjacent teeth to make room for a natural-looking replacement tooth.
Root canals
Root canal therapy is a relatively simple procedure that most dentists can perform. It involves removing the infected portion of the tooth and filling the tooth with a special material that absorbs fluid and cleans out any bacteria or other debris. The dentist then seals the root canal with a sealant that hardens into a barrier against future decay. A root canal usually lasts for 10 to 15 years but can be extended by periodic cleaning and sealing.
Fillings
Filling a cavity is a simple procedure that involves making an artificial filling in the area where decay has occurred. The process is nearly painless and can be done on an outpatient basis. So, patients can go home right after the treatment. The doctor will clean the tooth and then place a temporary filling over it. After that, they will make a permanent filling from composite resin or porcelain, designed to last many years.
Fluoride treatments
Fluoride prevents decay and helps strengthen the enamel on your teeth. This is especially important for children who lose their baby teeth in the first year of life and risk decay later in life. Fluoride also helps prevent cavities. The fluoride used in most dental offices is a sodium fluoride solution applied by brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste or mouth rinse once or twice daily.
Extractions
Extractions are the removal of a portion of the tooth. They can be performed by either an oral surgeon or a periodontist. An oral surgeon will perform extractions and then fill the extraction site with a temporary filling, which will last for several weeks. On the other hand, a periodontist will perform a full gum graft and then replace the gum tissue with a permanent crown.
General dentistry is all about preventive dentistry, which means it minimizes the risk of dental-related diseases as much as possible. This is done by regular examinations, hygiene visits, and a balanced diet paired with healthy living. General dentists from Innovative Dental Ideas also have the training to diagnose and treat many issues you may have with your teeth, gums, and mouth. Contact the facility to get more information about dental care.
