A General dentist is a dental professional who treats a range of oral health concerns. He or she acts as a person’s primary care dental professional and provides preventive services, like regular examinations and cleanings.
A General dentist also offers restorative treatments, such as filling cavities and removing damaged teeth. They can also fit patients with partial or full dentures.
Preventive care
Everyone has had some interaction with general dentists throughout their lives, whether it’s for teeth cleaning or a routine dental checkup. General dentists are primary care dental professionals who provide a variety of dental services for people of all ages, and they are also responsible for identifying and treating oral health issues before they become more serious.
Generally, general dentists have earned a bachelor’s degree in a field such as biological science and a doctorate from dental school. Some use the initials DDS, while others prefer to use DMD.
Many general dentists offer cosmetic procedures like tooth whitening and veneers to enhance your smile. They can also treat a variety of other dental problems, including gingivitis and oral cancer. They can even provide dental implants, crowns, and bridges for missing or damaged teeth. They may also refer you to a specialist for certain treatments, such as orthodontics or endodontics. They are the go-to professionals when you have a problem with your teeth, and they can keep your smile healthy for life!
Restorative care
Most people have had contact with general dentistry at some point, whether it was teeth cleanings or an examination that included x-rays. As the primary dental care providers for patients of all ages, general dentists are responsible for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral health conditions, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
They also offer restorative services, such as fillings and crowns. They may even have the ability to perform minor oral surgery. General dentists are trained to recognize when specialized care is required and will refer you to a specialist.
A general dentist will partner with you to ensure good oral health and will provide the best care for your needs. They are skilled in a range of services and can help you prevent problems that can be complicated and costly to treat. In addition, they can provide advice and instruction on maintaining good oral hygiene, and work with specialists to coordinate your care.
Cosmetic care
Most people have experienced general dentistry at one point in their lives. This includes dental cleanings, checkup appointments and fillings when needed. General dentists are primary care providers for patients of all ages and work towards prevention and optimal oral health.
In addition to providing preventive and restorative dental treatment, many general dentists offer cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. These procedures help improve aesthetics and can be a great confidence booster for the patient.
Those who are interested in becoming a general dentist can pursue an undergraduate degree in the biological sciences or another field and then earn either a DDS or DMD from dental school. The difference between these two titles is the title on the dentist’s dental school diploma; both degrees have the same curriculum. After graduation, many general dentists participate in a year-long general practice residency or multiple years in a specialty program in oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics and/or pediatric dentistry.
Emergency care
While preventative care and regular treatments are important for dental health, some situations are best handled by emergency dentists. These specialists are trained in treating acute conditions that require immediate attention, such as severe toothaches, broken teeth, and knocked-out teeth. They are also capable of dealing with gum diseases, and identifying any issues that can cause infections like abscesses.
Dental emergencies are categorized into three major categories, and recognizing them in time can prevent serious complications. Untreated dental emergencies can lead to a large intraoral hematoma, or even compromise the patient’s airway.
Infections, swelling of the mouth or face, and bleeding in the mouth are some of the common dental emergencies. Seeing an emergency dentist can help patients avoid permanent damage, relieve pain, and increase the odds of saving the affected teeth. Unlike general dentists, these experts are available outside of the regular office hours and work on a 24/7 basis. Having their contact information on hand expedites treatment.