General dentistry services are designed to improve a patient’s long-term oral health. Although the services offered by general dentists vary, common services include routine cleanings, cavity fillings, scaling and root planing, dental crowns, and root canal therapy.
On the first visit with a general dentist, they will conduct an oral examination and determine what treatments are necessary. They can put together a long-term treatment and prevention plan to not only restore any issues with the patient's oral health but also reduce the risk of future complications.
A routine dental cleaning is one of the most common dental procedures. If the general dentist determines that there are no oral health concerns that require treatment after examining the patient’s mouth and their dental X-rays, then they typically recommend a routine cleaning. This involves gently removing plaque and tartar build-up on the surface of teeth enamel and along the gum line. Routine cleanings are recommended once every four to six months.
Doing cavity fillings is relatively common among general dentistry practices. This is necessary when teeth enamel weakens and eventually erodes away. For weakened enamel only, the dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment. For more severe cavities, the dentist may recommend a root canal procedure. However, most cavities are treated through dental fillings, which involve removing the decay, filling the tooth with a tooth-colored material, and hardening the material.
Scaling and root planing, also called a deep dental cleaning, is necessary if periodontitis develops and threatens the patient's long-term oral health. The procedure involves cleaning below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar build-up, whereas a routine cleaning only involves cleaning at and above the gum line.
A dental crown can restore a severely weakened or damaged tooth for the long term. Different types of crown material can be chosen based on the location of the tooth and the patient’s preference. It is a relatively non-invasive procedure and can save a tooth from becoming lost. Crowns can last for more than a decade with proper care.
Root canal therapy is performed in general dentistry to treat deep tooth decay or an oral infection that extends to the tooth root. The procedure involves drilling to access the root of the tooth, removing the infected pulp inside the pulp chamber found in the tooth root, and filling the cavity with a material known as gutta-percha. The general dentist then places a dental crown on the tooth to protect it from further harm and restore its appearance.
If you have not been to the dentist in more than six months, then contact our general dentistry practice today to arrange a visit. We would be glad to determine what your treatment needs are for ideal oral health and answer any questions or concerns that you may have about caring for your oral health between visits.
Request an appointment here: https://sunvalleydentalcare.com or call Sun Valley Dental Care at (619) 413-1121 for an appointment in our El Cajon office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry in El Cajon, CA.
Thinking you need to find a general dentist in your local area because you are in need of dental care? You should view a general dentist the same way you do your primary care provider. They are your first point of contact whenever you are experiencing any type of dental issue. They are also the…
In the wake of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak, officials are telling people to stay home. There are cases where you can still leave your home, including getting medical care. In some cases, dentist offices may still be open to provide emergency care for patients. The American Dental Association (ADA) has issued COVID-19 guidelines. Dentists…
You might want to head to a general dentist if you find yourself dealing with a cavity. Cavities are tiny holes that form on teeth because of tooth decay. Acids created by oral bacteria eat away at teeth surfaces, creating those tiny holes. Other symptoms include reoccurring toothaches, increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods,…
General dentistry includes the restoration of damaged teeth, which may refer to cavities or aesthetic issues, such as staining, chipping, or cracking. Thankfully, there are many ways to restore teeth that have become damaged.The type of damage that occurs will determine what type of restoration is needed. General dentists can identify this as soon as…
A root canal cleans out infection from the interior of a tooth, but dentists will attempt other options, such as dental fillings, when possible. Therefore, it can be hard for patients to know when they may need a root canal or whether a problem can be solved in another way. The signs that you may…
Are you thinking about choosing ClearCorrect braces to straighten your teeth? Understanding everything there is to know about ClearCorrect is the first step to take when leaning toward choosing this straightening option. Choosing the right teeth straightening option is important, as it needs to blend in easily with one’s everyday lifestyle. Ready to learn more? Whether…