A general dentist focuses explicitly on preventing oral diseases by keeping the mouth healthy. If oral diseases are not treated on time, they could cause discomfort, disrupt your lifestyle and require costly dental procedures.
General dentists are the primary dental caregivers to everyone of all age groups. During your routine visit to the family dentist, you will undergo a comprehensive oral examination (comprising of your gum, teeth and oral tissues), a professional dental cleaning and a conversation about your oral health and overall wellbeing. If their evaluation shows tooth decay, you will need to have the affected tooth filled with composite fillings. These procedures, although common, are rarely the only procedures offered by general dentists.
These services help preserve the health of your oral cavity by preventing the disease before it affects the mouth and causes havoc. General dentists perform this task through routine examinations (includes using scans from diagnostic devices) and professional cleaning. Your dentist may also provide full guidance on how to perform oral hygiene at home and may suggest preventive procedures such as dental sealants if required.
If you engage in sports or other intense activities, a custom mouth guard may be created for you in the dental office.
If the dentist discovers a problem, they will try to help you get quick and effective treatment. One of the most popular and effective dental restorations is cleaning tooth decay and filling the cavity on the affected tooth.
General dentists are your go-to person when you require quick treatment during dental emergencies such as a loosened, broken or lost tooth. They offer diagnosis and treatment for tooth pain and gum diseases. You can also visit them for tooth replacements, dental crowns, bridges, and dentures. If you need advanced procedures such as root canal therapy, orthodontics, and dental implants, you can discuss with your general dentist as well.
If you have always wanted a better smile, a general dentist can help you with varieties of cosmetic procedures. Some of the standard cosmetic treatment offered by general dentists include:
In several aspects, you can say that your oral health is a sign of your overall wellbeing. Some dental conditions are symptoms of problems occurring in other areas of the body, and vice versa. For instance, poorly managed oral infections can cause poor diabetes management, higher risk of cardiovascular disease and birth complications.
General dentists are uniquely trained to detect these and other conditions and recommend suitable treatment or referral if necessary. One of these major concerns is obstructive sleep apnea, which can be life-threatening but can be treated with an oral device. General dentists also offer nutritional advice, consult on smoking cessation and general health and wellbeing.
Upon completing their undergraduate course, every general dentist has to complete a four-year course in an accredited dental college. Also, they have to fulfill the requirements of state licensing boards through tests and continuous education to get a practicing license. Aside from the regular training, some general dentists go on to take special courses on specific branches of dentistry such as implant dentistry, cosmetic treatments and root canal therapy.
Dental professionals recommend visiting the dental office every six months for preventive services, or immediately after you notice an abnormality with your oral health. The signs may be apparent (such as bleeding or tooth pain) that you need dental attention or you may be interested in a cosmetic treatment. Either way, do not hesitate to contact your general dentist.
When it comes to regular dental appointments, it is hard to find a suitable schedule for all patients. Regardless, ensure you keep up with your dental appointments and call the general dentist if you ever have a problem. Your routine checkups and dental hygiene at home are the most effective ways to maintain your oral health and keep your teeth looking attractive for a lifetime.
Lilburn Family Dentistry is located at 331 Arcado Rd NW Suite D Lilburn, GA 30047.